Any of a population of lymphocytes that are the principal agents of cell-mediated immunity . The helper T cell carries T-cell receptors , which recognize the class II antigens on the inducer cell. Consequently there is a proliferation of B lymphocytes and the generation of effector T cells , i.e. cytotoxic T cells, delayed hypersensitivity T cells, and suppressor T cells. Cytotoxic T cells recognize foreign antigen on the surface of virus-infected cells and destroy the cell by releasing cytolytic proteins. Suppressor T cells are important in regulating the activity of other lymphocytes and are crucial in maintaining tolerance to self tissues.
T cells mediate delayed hypersensitivity by releasing various lymphokines .
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