T-cell (T-lymphocyte)

A type of immune cell, called a lymphocyte, which is involved in the adaptive immune system and helps protect the body from diseases, such as cancer. There are two main types:

• Cytotoxic T cells, also known as CD8+ cells, which can destroy infected cells and tumour cells directly and indirectly.
• Helper T cells, also known as CD4+ cells, which mainly help by stimulating and shaping the responses of other immune cells.