T cells also regulate the immune response by signaling other immune system defenders. T cells work primarily by producing proteins called lymphokines. They attack without first having to recognize a specific antigen. Monocytes are white blood cells that can swallow and digest microscopic organisms and particles in a process known as phagocytosis. Monocytes can also travel into tissue and become macrophages , or big eaters.
Antibodies respond to antigens by latching on to, or binding with, the antigens.
Specific antibodies match specific antigens, fitting together much the way a key fits a lock. Cytokines are substances produced by some immune system cells to communicate with other cells. Types of cytokines include lymphokines, interferons , interleukins , and colony-stimulating factors . These cytokines attack cancer cells directly. Nonspecific Immunomodulating Agents Nonspecific immunomodulating agents are substances that stimulate or indirectly augment the immune system.