T cells are a key cell type of the adaptive immune system and play critical roles in immune defence. The development of T lymphocytes occurs in the thymus, and their functions are diverse, contributing to immune surveillance, antigen-specific responses, and immune memory. The thymus provides the microenvironment necessary for the maturation and antigen exposure of T cells and involves several key stages. T cells originate initially from hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. These stem cells give rise to common lymphoid progenitors, which have the potential to become T cells. T cell precursors migrate from the bone marrow to the thymus, where they undergo further differentiation and maturation. In the thymus, T cells undergo the process of positive selection, whereby those with T cell receptors (TCRs) capable of binding to self-major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules survive. This process ensures that T cells can recognize antigens presented by self-MHC molecules, a crucial step in self-tolerance. Additionally, however, T cells that bind too strongly to self-antigens undergo negative selection, leading to their elimination to prevent autoimmunity. Positively selected T cell precursors differentiate into various T cell subsets, including CD4+ T cells (helper T cells) and CD8+ T cells (cytotoxic T cells). Mature T cells exit the thymus and circulate throughout the body. T cells perform diverse functions in immune responses, contributing to immune surveillance, antigen recognition, and the coordination of immune reactions. T cells recognize antigens through their unique T cell receptors (TCRs), which can specifically bind to antigens presented by MHC molecules on the surface of antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Cytotoxic T cells (CD8+ T cells) are crucial for cell-mediated immune responses. They recognize and induce apoptosis of virus-infected cells, cancer cells, and other cells that display abnormal antigens on their cell surfaces. Helper T cells (CD4+ T cells) in contrast, play a central role in coordinating immune responses. Their main functions are in promoting B cells to produce antibodies, assisting cytotoxic T cells in their activities, and regulating immune responses through the synthesis and secretion of cytokines. T cells, particularly memory T cells, contribute to the phenomenon of immunological memory. After an initial exposure to an antigen, memory T cells are formed. Upon subsequent encounters with the same antigen, memory T cells mount a more rapid and robust immune response, leading to enhanced protection. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a specialized subset of CD4+ T cells with a critical role in maintaining immune tolerance and preventing excessive immune responses. They suppress the activation of other T cells, preventing autoimmune reactions. Finally, gamma delta (γδ) T cells are a unique subset of T lymphocytes that develop through the rearrangement of gene segments encoding gamma and delta chains of the TCR, rather than the alpha beta (αβ) chains of other T cells. As a result, gamma delta T cells have a more limited repertoire of TCRs compared to alpha beta T cells and recognize non-peptide antigens, including certain lipids, glycolipids, and phospholipids. We offer a comprehensive product range of research reagents for investigating T cells, including CD45 antibodies, CD4 antibodies, CD3 antibodies, IL10 ELISA Kits, and IL4 ELISA Kits. Explore our full T cells product range below and discover more, for less. Alternatively, you can explore our CD, Non CD, and Cytotoxic Cells product ranges.