What is the main function of cytotoxic T cells (TC cells)?
Cytotoxic T cells target infected host cells presenting intracellular pathogens on MHC class I and induce apoptosis to eliminate both the infected cell and the pathogen.
How do cytotoxic T cells distinguish between healthy and infected host cells?
They recognize the type of antigen presented on MHC class I; healthy cells present self-peptides, while infected cells present immunogenic microbial antigens.
What happens when a cytotoxic T cell recognizes an infected cell?
It releases proteins like perforin and proteases that induce apoptosis in the infected cell.
What is the role of perforin released by cytotoxic T cells?
Perforin creates pores in the infected cell membrane, allowing proteases to enter and degrade cellular proteins.
Why is apoptosis an important mechanism for cytotoxic T cells?
Apoptosis kills infected cells without releasing pathogens to nearby healthy cells, containing the infection.
What additional molecules can cytotoxic T cells release to boost the immune response?
They can release cytokines that activate macrophages and increase antigen presentation on dendritic cells.
What are the three main subtypes of helper T cells discussed?
The three main subtypes are TH1, TH2, and TH17 cells.
What is the primary function of TH1 helper T cells?
TH1 cells respond to intracellular pathogens by activating macrophages and cytotoxic T cells.
How do TH2 helper T cells contribute to the immune response?
TH2 cells respond to multicellular pathogens by recruiting and activating eosinophils and basophils.
What type of pathogens do TH17 helper T cells target?
TH17 cells target extracellular pathogens by recruiting and activating neutrophils.
How do helper T cells generally enhance the immune response?
Helper T cells produce cytokines that stimulate and activate other immune cells, improving their immune capabilities.
What is the role of helper T cells in macrophage activation?
Helper T cells release cytokines that activate macrophages, increasing their production of lysosomes and antimicrobials.
How do macrophages present antigens to helper T cells?
Macrophages engulf and degrade pathogens, then present antigens on their MHC class II molecules to helper T cells.
What effect do activated macrophages have after stimulation by helper T cells?
Activated macrophages have improved destructive abilities, producing more lysosomes and antimicrobials to destroy invaders more effectively.
What is the main difference between cytotoxic T cells and helper T cells in their immune functions?
Cytotoxic T cells induce apoptosis in infected cells, while helper T cells activate and enhance the functions of other immune cells through cytokine release.