A T cell is a type of lymphocyte. T cells are one of the important white blood cells of the immune system, and play a central role in the adaptive immune response. T cells can be easily distinguished from other lymphocytes by the presence of a T-cell receptor on their cell surface. T cells are born from hematopoietic stem cells, found in the bone marrow. Then, developing T cells migrate to the thymus gland to mature. T cells derive their name from this organ where they develop. After migration to the thymus, the precursor cells mature into several distinct types of T cells. T cell differentiation also continues after they have left the thymus. Groups of specific, differentiated T cell subtypes have a variety of important functions in controlling and shaping the immune response. One of these functions is immune-mediated cell death, and it is carried out by two major subtypes: CD8+ “killer” and CD4+ “helper” T cells.

https://www.geekwire.com/2021/testing-new-covid-19-test-t-cells-beat-antibodies-detecting-past-infections/