What role do T cells play in adoptive cell therapy?

In adoptive cell therapy, T cells play a crucial role in enhancing the body's immune response against cancer cells. The correct choice emphasizes the process of harvesting and expanding these cells. In this therapy, a patient's own T cells, specifically the ones that recognize and fight cancer, are extracted from the blood or tumor tissue.

Once isolated, these T cells can be manipulated and expanded in a laboratory setting to increase their numbers significantly. The goal of this expansion is to create a larger population of T cells that can specifically target and eliminate cancer cells once they are reintroduced into the patient's body.

This strategy enhances the therapeutic effects of T cells against tumors, enabling a more robust immune response that is often critical for effective cancer treatment. By focusing on the expansion and activation of T cells, the therapy aims to harness the body's natural defenses in a targeted manner, making it a cornerstone of immunotherapy as it maximizes the potential of the existing immune system.