Final answer:
Cytotoxic T cells target and eliminate virus-infected or cancerous cells within the body, while Memory T cells provide long-term immunity. Advanced therapies also use engineered T cells to selectively attack cancer cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
The T lymphocytes referred to are known as Cytotoxic T cells, and their primary function is to attack body cells that have been hijacked by viruses or have become cancerous. These immune cells target and destroy infected or abnormal cells by releasing toxins that create pores in the membranes, leading to cell death. This process not only eliminates the unwanted cells but also the pathogens residing within them. Memory T cells also play a role in the immune response by remaining in the body after the initial response, ready to provide quicker and more efficient defense if the same antigens are encountered again.
A cell-mediated response can also be directed against cancer cells since many of them lack a normal complement of self-proteins, marking them for elimination. Additionally, advanced techniques such as engineering T-lymphocytes with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are employed to target and kill cancer cells, demonstrating the adaptability of this aspect of the immune system in medical treatments.