helper T cell
(redirected from T helper cell)Also found in: Thesaurus, Medical, Wikipedia.
helper T cell
n.
Any of a class of T cells that are activated by interacting with antigen-presenting cells, such as a dendritic cells, and then function to activate other cells of the immune system, including B cells, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and phagocytes. Activated helper T cells usually have CD4 receptors on the surface. Also called T-helper cell.
helper T cell
n.
any of a group of T cells that activate the immune system either by enhancing the production of antibody and other T cells or by mobilizing macrophages to engulf invading particles.
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
Switch to new thesaurus
Noun | 1. | helper T cell - T cell with CD4 receptor that recognizes antigens on the surface of a virus-infected cell and secretes lymphokines that stimulate B cells and killer T cells; helper T cells are infected and killed by the AIDS virus T cell, T lymphocyte - a small lymphocyte developed in the thymus; it orchestrates the immune system's response to infected or malignant cells |