Researchers found that T cells in the tonsils are different from T cells in blood. The team at Washington University in St. Louis studied cells from people who had a tonsillectomy. The donors were different ages, from infants to adults.
The group used single-cell methods to look at many T cells from tonsils and blood. They say that tissue sites like the tonsils can change how T cells act. Because of this, doctors and scientists should check tissue T cells when they evaluate vaccines and immunotherapies.
Difficult words
- researcher — person who studies things and finds informationResearchers
- tonsil — small organs at the back of the throattonsils
- donor — person who gives something for use or studydonors
- single-cell — method that studies one cell at a time
- tissue — parts of the body made of similar cells
- evaluate — to judge how good or effective something is
- vaccine — medicine that helps the body make protectionvaccines
- immunotherapy — treatment that uses the immune system to fight diseaseimmunotherapies
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you or someone you know had a tonsillectomy? How old were they?
- Why is it important to study cells from body tissues and not only blood?
- Do you think doctors should check tissue cells when they test vaccines? Why or why not?
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