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alpha-beta receptor
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alpha-beta receptor

immune system
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Quick Summary

The alpha-beta receptor, also known as the T-cell receptor (TCR), is a crucial component of the immune system found on the surface of T cells. T cells are a type of white blood cell that identify and combat foreign substances, or antigens.12

There are two main types of T-cell receptors:
* Alpha-beta: Composed of alpha and beta chains, this is the most common type.2
* Gamma-delta: A less common type, made up of gamma and delta chains.2

These receptors are vital for T cells to recognize fragments of foreign proteins displayed on the surface of body cells, initiating an immune response. T cells mature in the thymus and are then distributed throughout the body to protect against infections and abnormal cells.341

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
5 Britannica Sources
  1. T cell
  2. immune system - Function of the T-cell receptor
  3. immune system - Structure of the T-cell receptor
  4. T cell receptor
  5. TCR

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