Together, these cells which provide acquired immunity are known as Lymphocytes . Each B cell secretes a unique antibody, which acts against a particular antigen . When B cells meet an invading organism for which they have the antibody, they do one of two things. They may turn into antibody factories and start manufacturing as many copies of their antibody as they can. They may clone themselves, thus increasing the numbers of antibody factories , which results in an increased immune response to the target organism.
T cells have several functions.
Suppressor T cells , which dampen down the immune response when it is no longer needed. Cytotoxic T cells , which destroy host cells that have become infected with the invading organism. Cytokines Cytokines are the last element of the immune system which we shall discuss here. If they are to work effectively, they need a good system for communicating messages. This system is provided by the cytokines.