Which cells are processed by the thymus and are responsible for cell-mediated immunity?

The thymus plays a crucial role in the development and maturation of T-lymphocytes, also known as T-cells. These cells are integral to the immune system, particularly in cell-mediated immunity, which is one of the two main types of adaptive immunity (the other being humoral immunity mediated by B-lymphocytes). T-cells are responsible for directly attacking infected cells, tumor cells, and are also involved in the activation of other immune cells.

During their development in the thymus, T-cells undergo a selection process to ensure that they can recognize foreign antigens while being tolerant to self-antigens. This ensures that T-cells can effectively respond to pathogens while minimizing the risk of autoimmune responses. As a result, T-cells are essential for immune responses, particularly against intracellular pathogens like viruses.

The other cell types listed have different functions. B-lymphocytes are responsible for antibody production and play a key role in humoral immunity rather than cell-mediated immunity. Macrophages are phagocytic cells that help in the innate immune response and can present antigens to T-cells, but they do not directly mediate immune responses themselves. Neutrophils are also part of the innate immune system and are primarily