Answered: Describe the roles of different types…

11th Edition

ISBN:9780134580999

Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn

Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn

Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1RQ: The correct sequence of levels forming the structural hierarchy is A. (a) organ, organ system,...

Related questions

Question

Describe the roles of different types of T cells.

Expert Solution

Step 1

The immune system is responsible for producing immune cells that help the body fight against any pathogens that might harm the body.

Step 2

T cells are one of the immune cells categorized into three types. These include cytotoxic, helper, and regulatory T cells.

Cytotoxic T cells comprise receptors known as CD8 receptors on their surface. They recognize the pathogen peptide expressed on the infected cell; these peptides are MHC class I and release cytotoxic molecules that cause the killing of the infected cell.
Helper T cells can generate the immune response using their receptor known as CD4 expressed on their cell surface. These receptors bind with peptides displayed on the surface of the antigen cell; these peptides are MHC II and release cytokines that cause the killing of the infected cell and activate the immune system.
Regulatory T cells generate the immune response also comprise of CD4 receptor. Still, they do not cause activation of the immune system. Instead, they are responsible for shutting down the immune response when not needed.