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2024-02-23T17:00:59Z

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'''Helper''' is a term often used in the medical field to refer to a type of [[T cell]] that plays an important role in the [[immune system]]. These cells are also known as [[CD4+ T cells]] because they express the CD4 glycoprotein on their surfaces.

== Function ==

Helper T cells play a crucial role in the immune response by helping the body's immune system recognize and respond to foreign substances. They do this by recognizing [[antigens]] presented on the surface of [[antigen presenting cells]] (APCs). Once they recognize an antigen, they become activated and start to divide and produce [[cytokines]] that stimulate other immune cells to respond to the antigen.

== Types of Helper T cells ==

There are several types of helper T cells, each with a different function:

* '''[[Th1 cells]]''': These cells help stimulate the immune response against intracellular pathogens, such as viruses and certain bacteria. They do this by producing cytokines that activate [[macrophages]] and [[cytotoxic T cells]].

* '''[[Th2 cells]]''': These cells help stimulate the immune response against extracellular pathogens, such as parasites. They do this by producing cytokines that stimulate [[B cells]] to produce antibodies.

* '''[[Th17 cells]]''': These cells help stimulate the immune response against extracellular bacteria and fungi. They do this by producing cytokines that stimulate the production of [[neutrophils]].

* '''[[Tfh cells]]''': These cells help B cells produce high-affinity antibodies and develop into [[memory B cells]] and [[plasma cells]].

* '''[[Treg cells]]''': These cells help regulate the immune response and prevent [[autoimmune diseases]] by suppressing the activity of other immune cells.

== Role in Disease ==

Abnormalities in helper T cells can lead to various diseases. For example, a decrease in the number of CD4+ T cells is a hallmark of [[HIV/AIDS]]. On the other hand, an overactive helper T cell response can lead to [[autoimmune diseases]], such as [[rheumatoid arthritis]] and [[multiple sclerosis]].

== See Also ==

* [[T cell]]
* [[Immune system]]
* [[Antigen]]
* [[Cytokine]]
* [[Macrophage]]
* [[B cell]]
* [[Neutrophil]]
* [[Plasma cell]]
* [[Memory B cell]]
* [[HIV/AIDS]]
* [[Rheumatoid arthritis]]
* [[Multiple sclerosis]]

[[Category:Immunology]]
[[Category:Cell biology]]
[[Category:Medical terms]]

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