The thymus creates T-cells that are antigen receptors, which bind HLA antigens that are presented. Once this occurs, T cells undergo clonal expansion and differentiate into a variety of effector cells that promote tissue destruction of the transplanted organ. Examples of T lymphocytes are cytotoxic or killer T cells and helper cells.
Colaneri, J. & Neyhart, C. (2015). Transplantation: Chronic kidney disease in transplant recipients. In C.S. Counts (Ed.), Core curriculum for nephrology nursing, Module 3, Treatment options for patients with chronic kidney failure (6th ed, pp. 1-68).
Pitman, NJ: American Nephrology Nurses’ Association. Difference Between.com (2012). between humoral and immunity. Retrieved from: http://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-humoral-and-vs-cell-mediated-immunity/