Natural Killer T cell facts for kids
Natural killer T cells (often called NKT cells) are special cells that are part of your body's immune system. They are a type of T cell, which are important white blood cells that help fight off infections and diseases.
NKT cells are unique because they have features of both T cells and another type of immune cell called natural killer cells (NK cells). Even though they are very important, they make up only a tiny part (about 0.1%) of the T cells in your blood.
These cells are really good at finding and reacting to certain types of glycolipids. These are fatty and sugary molecules found on the surface of some harmful organisms, like the bacteria that cause tuberculosis.
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What NKT Cells Do
NKT cells play a big role in keeping you healthy. They are like quick responders in your immune system.
Fighting Infections
When your body gets infected, NKT cells can quickly release special chemicals called cytokines. These cytokines act like messengers, telling other immune cells what to do. Some cytokines help fight off the infection, while others can calm down the immune response.
Keeping You Healthy
NKT cells are thought to be very important for many parts of your immunity. If NKT cells don't work properly or if there aren't enough of them, it can lead to problems like:
- Autoimmune diseases: These are conditions where your immune system accidentally attacks your own body. Examples include diabetes and atherosclerosis.
- Cancer: NKT cells can help find and destroy cancer cells.
Recently, scientists have also found that NKT cells might be involved in conditions like asthma.
Why NKT Cells Are Important
The main reason NKT cells are so valuable is their ability to quickly release cytokines. This rapid response can either boost your immune system to fight off invaders or help to control an overactive immune response. Scientists are studying NKT cells to see if they can be used to help treat diseases in the future.
See also
In Spanish: Célula T asesina natural para niños
