4.1.1: Communicable Diseases: T Killer Cells

Question 1

What are T killer cells responsible for?

Answer 1

Destroying abnormal or infected cells

T killer cells play a crucial role in the immune response, particularly against viral infections.

Question 2

What protein do T killer cells release to induce cell death?

Answer 2

Perforin

Perforin forms pores in the membranes of infected cells, facilitating their destruction.

Question 3

What is the function of perforin in the immune response?

Answer 3

Makes a pore in the cell surface membrane

This allows substances to enter or leave the cell, leading to cell death.

Question 4

Why are body cells sacrificed during viral infections?

Answer 4

To prevent viral replication

The destruction of infected cells limits the spread of the virus.

Question 5

What type of cells are CD8+ T cells?

Answer 5

Cytotoxic T cells

CD8+ T cells are a subset of T cells that directly kill infected or cancerous cells.

Question 6

Fill in the blank: T killer cells release _______ to induce apoptosis in infected cells.

Answer 6

Granzymes

Granzymes are serine proteases that enter the infected cells through the pores created by perforin.

Question 7

True or False: T killer cells are primarily involved in the immune response against bacterial infections.

Answer 7

False

T killer cells are most commonly active against viral infections.

Question 8

What role do interleukins play in the immune system?

Answer 8

Signaling molecules

Interleukins facilitate communication between immune cells.

Question 9

What is the structure formed by perforin in the target cell’s membrane?

Answer 9

Pore

The pore allows granzymes and other molecules to enter the target cell.

Question 10

What happens to an infected cell after T killer cells release perforin and granzymes?

Answer 10

The cell undergoes apoptosis

This process leads to the death of the infected cell, thereby limiting the infection.