Cytotoxic T Cells Quiz

Cytotoxic T Cells

• Main function is to identify and eliminate infected or cancerous cells through the release of cytotoxic substances.
• Play a critical role in the adaptive immune system, specifically targeting cells presenting foreign antigens.

Immune Response Stimulation

• Molecules capable of stimulating an immune response are called antigens.
• Antigens can be proteins, polysaccharides, or other complex molecules recognized by the immune system.

T-Cell Receptor Binding

• A co-receptor, specifically CD8 for cytotoxic T cells, must accompany the T-cell receptor (TCR) to effectively bind to class I MHC molecules.
• The interaction enhances the specificity and strength of the T-cell response.

Antigen Presentation

• Molecules called Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) bring antigens from within a cell to its surface.
• This presentation allows T cells to recognize and respond to specific antigens.

Antigen-Specific Activation

• An immunological synapse forms between the cytotoxic T cell and the target cell during antigen-specific activation, maintaining close contact.
• This synapse involves various adhesion molecules that stabilize the interaction for effective immune response.