Cell-Mediated Immunity Quiz

Cytokines and Immune Responses

• Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is the cytokine that induces the development of T helper 1 (TH1) cells.
• The transcription factor GATA-3 is crucial for the differentiation of T helper 2 (TH2) cells.

TH1 Response and Interferon-γ

• Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) plays a pivotal role in the TH1 immune response by activating macrophages, enhancing their ability to kill intracellular pathogens.
• IFN-γ promotes the differentiation of naive T cells into TH1 cells, supporting the cellular immune response.

Functions of Mast Cells

• Mast cells are key players in the immune response, primarily involved in allergic reactions and defense against parasites.
• They release histamines and other mediators that facilitate immediate hypersensitivity reactions.

Cytokines and Antibody Production

• Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is the cytokine that stimulates the production of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which are important in allergic responses and defense against helminths.

Role of TH1 Cells

• TH1 cells are integral to cell-mediated immunity, coordinating responses against intracellular pathogens such as viruses and some bacteria.
• They enhance the immune response by producing cytokines that activate other immune cells, including cytotoxic T cells and macrophages.

Th Cells and Immunity

• T helper (Th) cells direct all aspects of immunity primarily through cytokine production, influencing the activation and differentiation of various immune cells.

Pathogens and Host Cells

• Intracellular pathogens, such as certain viruses and some bacteria, must replicate inside host cells to propagate and evade immune detection.

Immune Response Types

• The TH1 response plays a significant role in adaptive cell-mediated immunity, particularly during infections with intracellular pathogens.

Specialized Immune Cells

• CD8+ T cells, also known as cytotoxic T lymphocytes, are specialized to target and eliminate cells bearing intracellular organisms, playing a crucial role in managing infections.