Which of the following best describes a primary role of helper T cells in the immune response?

• A. They directly destroy infected host cells.
• B. They engulf and digest pathogens.
• C. They activate B cells to secrete antibodies.
• D. They produce antibodies to neutralize pathogens.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of helper T cells in the immune system. Helper T cells are a type of lymphocyte that play a central role in coordinating the immune response by interacting with other immune cells.
2. Recall that helper T cells do not directly destroy infected cells or pathogens. Instead, they assist other immune cells in carrying out their functions.
3. Helper T cells activate B cells by releasing signaling molecules called cytokines. This activation prompts B cells to differentiate into plasma cells, which then produce antibodies.
4. Antibodies are proteins that specifically bind to antigens on pathogens, neutralizing them or marking them for destruction by other immune cells.
5. Eliminate the incorrect options: Helper T cells do not directly destroy infected cells (this is the role of cytotoxic T cells), nor do they engulf pathogens (this is the role of phagocytes like macrophages). They also do not produce antibodies themselves; instead, they activate B cells to do so.