T cells attacking acute myeloid leukaemia cell, illustration 插畫檔

Illustration of T cell white blood cells attacking an acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) cell. This cancer affects the myeloid tissue (bone marrow), specifically the white blood cell precursors (myeloblasts) that form a type of white blood cell known as granulocytes. These immature cells fill up the bone marrow and spill into the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body. The cells do not work properly to fight infections and their increased production reduces the production of red blood cells leading to anaemia and fatigue. Acute leukaemias progress quickly. T lymphocytes, or T cells, are a type of white blood cell and a component of the body's immune system. They recognise a specific site (antigen) on the surface of a pathogen or cancerous cell, bind to it, and attract antibodies or cells to eliminate it