T-helper cell

noun

T-help·​er cell ˈtē-ˈhel-pər- 

variants or T helper cell

plural T-helper cells or T helper cells

: helper t cell

Under normal conditions, T-helper cells signal to other immune-system cells and stimulate them to do battle with foreign organisms.

—Morton Hunt

Other sets of T cells include T helper cells, which are necessary for B lymphocytes to become antibody-producing plasma cells, and T suppressor cells, which mute the antibody response.

—Linda D. Caren

Word History

First Known Use

1980, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

T-helper cell

noun

T-help·​er cell (ˈ)tē-ˈhel-pər- 

variants or T helper cell

: helper t cell

… the virus appears extraordinarily well-adapted to human blood lymphocytes; specifically to a subpopulation of these cells called T-helper cells, which serve as orchestrators of the immune system.

—Johnathan E. Kaplan

T helper cells are the sergeants that roust T or B cells into action.

—Elizabeth Pennisi