T cells and B cells are both lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. They are key players in the adaptive immune system, meaning they can learn to recognize and target specific pathogens.

Here's a breakdown:

* T cells (also known as T lymphocytes) mature in the thymus gland. They primarily function in cell-mediated immunity.

* Helper T cells (Th cells) activate other immune cells, like B cells and cytotoxic T cells.

* Cytotoxic T cells (Tc cells) directly kill infected cells.

* Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) suppress the immune response to prevent autoimmune diseases.

* B cells (also known as B lymphocytes) mature in the bone marrow. They primarily function in humoral immunity, which involves producing antibodies.

* When B cells encounter an antigen, they differentiate into plasma cells that secrete antibodies.

* Some B cells become memory cells, which can quickly respond to subsequent encounters with the same antigen.

While both T and B cells are lymphocytes, they have distinct roles in the immune response.