Clonal T-cell expansion

Clonal T-cell expansion occurs when specific T-cells, which are an essential part of the immune system, multiply rapidly in response to an infection or abnormal cell activity. Each T-cell has a unique receptor targeting a particular threat. When a T-cell recognizes its target, it signals for the cell to divide and produce many copies, creating a clone—identical cells all equipped to fight the same threat. This process ensures a focused and effective immune response. However, if unchecked, such expansion can sometimes lead to conditions like lymphomas, which are cancers arising from abnormal T-cell proliferation.