T lymphocytes and cancer cells. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of T lymphocyte cells (purple) attached to cancer cells. T lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell and one of the components of the body's immune system. They recognise a specific site (antigen) on the surface of cancer cells or pathogens and bind to it. Some T lymphocytes then signal for other immune system cells to eliminate the cell. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes eliminate the cell themselves by releasing a protein that forms pores in the cell's membrane. The genetic changes that cause a cell to become cancerous lead to the presentation of tumour antigens on the cell's surface. Magnification: x1250 at 10 centimetres wide | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / Gschmeissner, Steve |
Taille de l’image : | 2934 px × 2198 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |