T helper cell facts for kids

T helper cells are like the "coaches" of your body's defense team, called the immune system. They are a special type of white blood cell, made in a gland called the thymus. Instead of directly fighting germs, their job is to help other immune cells know what to do and when to attack invaders like bacteria and viruses.

This picture shows how T helper cells get activated. A special cell (called an APC) shows a piece of a germ to the T helper cell, telling it what to fight.

What Are T Helper Cells?

T helper cells are a kind of lymphocyte, which is a type of white blood cell. Your body makes them in an organ called the Thymus. These cells are super important for keeping you healthy. They don't directly kill germs or eat them. Instead, they act like messengers and organizers for your immune system.

How Do T Helper Cells Work?

Imagine your immune system is an army. T helper cells are the generals or strategists. When a germ like a bacterium or a virus enters your body, other immune cells called APCs (Antigen Presenting Cells) find it. These APCs then show a tiny piece of the germ to the T helper cells.

Once a T helper cell recognizes a germ, it gets activated. It then sends out special signals, like chemical messages. These signals tell other important immune cells, such as T-killer cells (also called cytotoxic T cells) and B cells, what to do.

• T-killer cells: These cells are like the "soldiers" that destroy cells infected by viruses or cancer cells. T helper cells tell them when and where to attack.
• B cells: These cells make special proteins called antibodies. Antibodies stick to germs and mark them for destruction. T helper cells help B cells make the right antibodies to fight off specific invaders.

So, T helper cells make sure that the right immune cells are activated to fight off infections effectively.

Why Are T Helper Cells Important?

T helper cells are vital for a strong and healthy immune system. Without them, your body would struggle to fight off many common infections. They are like the central command center that coordinates your body's defenses.

Unfortunately, T helper cells can be attacked by certain viruses, like the HIV virus. When HIV attacks and destroys T helper cells, it weakens the immune system. This makes it much harder for the body to fight off other infections and diseases, which is why keeping these cells healthy is so important.

See also

In Spanish: Linfocito T CD4+ para niños