Funciones efectoras de los linfocitos T

We begin this chapter by describing the recirculation of T lymphocytes and explaining how particular populations of T lymphocytes selectively enter lymph nodes and specific tissues, a phenomenon known as lymphocytic accommodation or addressing. We examine in detail differentiation following an antigen encounter, specifically the three functional states of T lymphocytes: virgin, memory and effector. We pay special attention to the effector functions of the helper and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, as well as their differentiation into Th1, Th2 and Th17 lymphocytes. Finally, we briefly examine the Tγδ and NKT lymphocytes as well as immunological memory and the shutdown of immune responses.