T Cell Differentiation and Activation Quiz

Chemokines and T Cell Differentiation

• Chemokines are signaling proteins that regulate the movement and differentiation of T cells during immune responses.
• They help naïve T cells migrate to the lymph nodes where they can encounter antigens and activate.
• Specific chemokines attract T cells to different tissues, influencing their development into various subsets (like Th1, Th2, or cytotoxic T cells).

Fate of Naive T Cells

• Naive T cells that do not encounter antigen bound to MHC undergo apoptosis (programmed cell death) after a certain period.
• This process helps maintain immune homeostasis and prevents excessive accumulation of non-functional T cells.

High Endothelial Venules (HEVs) and T Cell Trafficking

• HEVs are specialized blood vessels found in lymph nodes that facilitate the entry of T cells from the bloodstream into the lymphatic system.
• They express specific adhesion molecules and chemokines that promote the binding and migration of lymphocytes.
• HEVs play a critical role in the recruitment of T cells to sites of inflammation and immune activation.

Central Event in Immune Response Generation

• The central event in generating humoral and cell-mediated immune responses is the activation of T cells by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) through MHC molecules.
• This activation triggers a cascade of immune responses, including the differentiation of B cells into plasma cells and the activation of cytotoxic T cells.

Locations of High Endothelial Venules (HEVs)

• HEVs are predominantly found in peripheral lymphoid tissues, such as lymph nodes and mucosal-associated lymphoid tissues (MALT).
• They are not present in peripheral tissues or in the brain, which is usually devoid of HEVs due to blood-brain barrier restrictions.

Test your knowledge on T cell differentiation, activation, and functions! Learn about the stages of T cell life and their important roles in the immune system.