• T cells

    definition

    T cells are…

    Also called T lymphocytes, T cells, together with B cells, are part of the adaptive immune system. T cells are classified as either cytotoxic or helper T cells, which directly attack infected cells or orchestrate the immune response, respectively. Their name derives from their site of origin, the thymus.

  • tetanus

    definition

    Tetanus is…

    Caused by the bacterial toxin produced by Clostridium tetani, which spreads inside wounds. Bacterial spores are found practically everywhere in the soil, which is why it is imperative to keep woundsclean. Tetanus is not transmitted from person to person. A vaccine does exist and is recommended by the Robert Koch Institute.

  • thrombocytes

    definition

    Thrombocytes are…

    Blood platelets involved in blood clotting.

  • thymus

    definition

    The thymus is…

    Lymphoid organ in the upper region of the chest, which lies immediately behind the sternum. Place of T cell development. In children, a sufficient reservoir of T cells is produced; beginning of puberty, the thymus regresses and loses its functionality.

  • transgenic mouse

    definition

    A transgenic mouse is…

    Genetically engineered mouse whose cells contain additional, artificially introduced DNA. Transgenic mice are used to study the function and regulation of genes. They also serve as a model which helps to study human diseases more easily.

  • translation

    definition

    Translation means…

    Exchange between different areas of research to facilitate processing of results in application. As such, findings from basic science research more quickly find their way into clinical research, where they undergo further testing. Questions that arise in the process are then sent back to the researchers in the lab. Translation thus helps speed up drug development, for example, which ultimately benefits patients.

  • tuberculosis

    definition

    Tuberculosis is…

    Disease of the lungs caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a bacterium first described by Robert Koch. Since 1990, a resurgence of the epidemic has been observed. Antibiotic-resistant strains are especially problematic. Around 1.4 million people are dying each year from “consumption.” Not everyone infected with the bacterium contracts tuberculosis. The risk is especially high in people with a weakened immune system. As such, tuberculosis is the chief cause of death in people with AIDS.

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