What type of cells are created in the thymus and attack infected cells in the body?

T cells are a type of lymphocyte that are developed and mature in the thymus gland. These cells play a crucial role in the adaptive immune response. Once matured, T cells can recognize and attack infected cells, particularly those infected by viruses or other intracellular pathogens. They do this by identifying foreign antigens presented on the surface of infected cells via Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules.

The T cells can differentiate into various subtypes, such as cytotoxic T cells, which directly kill infected cells, and helper T cells, which assist in orchestrating the immune response by signaling other immune cells. Their ability to specifically target and eliminate infected cells is vital for effectively controlling and clearing infections in the body.

In contrast, B cells are responsible for producing antibodies, while plasma cells are differentiated B cells that secrete large amounts of antibodies. Natural killer cells are a part of the innate immune system, targeting and destroying compromised cells in a more nonspecific manner. T cells, however, are essential for the specific, adaptive immune response, making them distinct in their function and development in the thymus.