Topic 2- Role of T helper cells Flashcards
What is the function of T helper cells?
-assist other white blood cells in the immune response
What do they release
cytokines (hormone-like signals)
What do cytokines stimulate?
-The maturation of B-lymphocytes into antibody-secreting plasma cells
-The production of memory B cells
-The activation of cytotoxic T cells, which destroy virus-infected cells and tumour cells
What do they increase the rate of?
Phagocytosis
What is the function of T killer cells?
patrol the body in search of antigen-presenting body cells
How do T killer cells work?
attach to the foreign antigens on the cell surface membranes of infected cells and secrete toxic substances that kill the infected body cells, along with the pathogen inside
What is the purpose of Perforins (secreted by killer T cells)?
punch a hole in the cell surface membrane of infected cells, allowing toxins to enter
