Do you know about the 'killer soldiers' in our bodies? (Cytotoxic T cells) Let's talk about this!

Have you ever wondered how, when you catch a cold, it gets better in a few days? Without us realizing it, our bodies have an amazing defense system, like an army, working inside us to protect us from diseases. A very important, special unit of soldiers in this system are called cytotoxic T cells. Today, we will talk about these little heroes.

What are these cytotoxic T cells?

Simply put, cytotoxic T cells are a type of cell in our immune system . They are like the special forces soldiers in our country's army. Their main job is to find and destroy cells infected with viruses that enter our bodies. That's why they are also called "Killer T cells."

These T cells are produced in a small gland in the front of our chest called the thymus . The thymus gland produces three main types of T cells.

How do these cells work?

There are two main types of immunity. One is innate immunity . That is, the defense system that is present in our body when we are born. The other is adaptive immunity . That is, the specialized defense system that our body develops when we are exposed to diseases or receive vaccines.

Difference between cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells

You may have also heard of Natural Killer cells. Although both are 'killer' cells, there is a slight difference.

• Natural Killer cells: These are part of innate immunity. This means they don't need special training or activation to attack a harmful cell. They just keep patrolling.
• Cytotoxic T cells: These are part of adaptive immunity. In order for them to attack an infected cell, they must first become aware of the infection and become activated.

How to start a fight

Cytotoxic T cells have a special 'antenna' on their surface called the CD8 receptor . Almost every cell in our body has an "identification card" on its surface. It's called a MHC Class I molecule . When a cell is infected with a virus, that cell places a small piece of the virus on this ID card on its surface, signaling, "Here's an enemy inside me."

That's when our T cell's CD8 antenna picks up this signal. The T cell then becomes activated and produces the chemicals needed to destroy the infected cell.

Also, when helper T cells detect an infection, they release messengers called cytokines . These messages further stimulate cytotoxic T cells to join the fight.

Where are these T cells located in our body?

T cells begin their life in our bone marrow . Then, as immature cells, they travel to the thymus gland in our chest. The thymus is like a training school for T cells. It is there that these cells mature and learn what their job is. After training, these cells circulate throughout the body.

There are large numbers of T cells throughout our lymphatic system , in particular. The highest concentrations of T cells can be found in the:

• Bone marrow
• Intestines
• Lungs
• Lymph nodes
• Spleen
• Tonsils

What are the diseases that affect T cells?

Sometimes our immune system can malfunction. There are several conditions that affect T cells.

• Autoimmune diseases: These are diseases in which our own immune system attacks our own healthy cells.
• Acute lymphocytic leukemia: This is a type of cancer that begins in the blood and bone marrow.
• Adult Hodgkin lymphoma: This is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the lymphatic system.
• HIV: This virus directly attacks the cells of our immune system, especially T cells.
• Job syndrome: This is a rare immune system disorder that causes frequent infections.
• Thymic aplasia: T cell production is impaired due to the thymus gland not developing properly at birth.

Things we can do to keep our immune system strong

There are many simple things we can do to keep our amazing defense force healthy and strong.

• Avoid alcohol or limit it very much.
• Eat a balanced diet. Include more fruits, vegetables, legumes, lean meats, fish, nuts, and nutritious foods.
• Exercise regularly. Include a variety of exercises like walking, running, and weight lifting.
• Get good sleep. Try to sleep for at least 7-8 hours a day.
• Avoid smoking and tobacco use completely. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about it.
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water. This can go a long way in preventing germs from entering your body.