T-cells and antibodies are both essential components of the immune system. Although they are both involved in protecting the body against pathogens, they play different roles in the immune system.
T-Cells
T-cells are a type of white blood cell that develop in the thymus and play a critical role in the immune system. They are also called T lymphocytes.
T-cells originate from hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow, then travel to the thymus gland where they mature and differentiate into one of the types of T-cells in the body.
The structure of T-cells varies depending on specific types but all types feature T-cell receptors with complex structures on their membrane surface. These receptors are made up of several polypeptide chains.
There are two types of T-cells – Cytotoxic T-cells or killer cells, which are directly involved in killing harmful cells and Helper T-cells, which are indirectly involved by helping to coordinate immune responses.
Antibodies
Antibodies are specific types of proteins that bind to pathogens and help neutralize them. They are also known as immunoglobulins.
These protein molecules are composed of about 4 polypeptide chains and various chains with specific regions tailored for binding to antigenic substances.
Antibodies originate from stem cells in the bone marrow. They are synthesized and released by the B cells in the body in response to signals from T-cells.
There are 5 types of antibodies – IgA, IgE, IgM, IgG, and IgD. Each type is distinct in terms of function, structure and location.
Antibodies inhibit the action of pathogens by binding to antigens on the surface of pathogens, which prevents the pathogen from synthesizing essential proteins.