Week 7 - The Development of T Lymphocytes

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the development of T lymphocytes.

T Lymphocytes

A type of white blood cell that plays a central role in cell-mediated immunity.

Thymus

A lymphoid organ located above the heart where T cells mature.

Thymocytes

Immature T cells that develop in the thymus.

POSITIVE SELECTION

The process by which T cells that can weakly bind to self-MHC molecules are allowed to survive and mature.

NEGATIVE SELECTION

The elimination of T cells that bind too tightly to self-peptides and self-MHC, preventing autoimmunity.

Interleukin-7 (IL-7)

A cytokine secreted by stromal cells that aids in T cell development.

Double-negative thymocytes

Early development stage of T cells that do not express CD4 or CD8.

CD4 and CD8

Co-receptors found on T cells that assist in differentiating between helper and cytotoxic T cells.

Pre-T-cell receptor

A receptor that consists of a beta chain and a surrogate alpha chain, essential for early T cell development.

Effector T cells

Activated T cells that perform functions such as killing infected cells or helping other cells in the immune response.