T Cells Flashcards
(32 cards)
What type of immune cells are T cells?
T cells are a type of lymphocyte involved in the adaptive immune response.
What are the two main types of T cells?
The two main types of T cells are CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells.
What is the primary function of CD4+ T cells?
CD4+ T cells primarily help other immune cells by releasing cytokines.
What is the primary function of CD8+ T cells?
CD8+ T cells are primarily responsible for directly killing infected or cancerous cells.
True or False: CD4+ T cells are also known as helper T cells.
True
True or False: CD8+ T cells are also known as cytotoxic T cells.
True
What does MHC stand for?
MHC stands for Major Histocompatibility Complex.
What is the role of MHC class I molecules?
MHC class I molecules present endogenous antigens to CD8+ T cells.
What is the role of MHC class II molecules?
MHC class II molecules present exogenous antigens to CD4+ T cells.
Fill in the blank: CD4+ T cells recognize antigens presented by _____ molecules.
MHC class II
Fill in the blank: CD8+ T cells recognize antigens presented by _____ molecules.
MHC class I
What is the significance of T cell receptor (TCR) diversity?
TCR diversity allows T cells to recognize a wide variety of antigens.
True or False: T cells can recognize free-floating antigens without the help of MHC molecules.
False
What is the process by which T cells are activated?
T cells are activated through antigen recognition, co-stimulation, and cytokine signaling.
What is co-stimulation in T cell activation?
Co-stimulation refers to additional signals required for T cell activation beyond TCR engagement.
What is the role of dendritic cells in T cell activation?
Dendritic cells present antigens to T cells and provide necessary co-stimulatory signals.
What happens to T cells after activation?
After activation, T cells undergo clonal expansion and differentiation.
What is the difference between naive and memory T cells?
Naive T cells have not yet encountered their specific antigen, while memory T cells have.
Fill in the blank: _____ T cells are responsible for long-term immunity.
Memory
What is the primary cytokine produced by activated CD4+ T cells?
IL-2 (Interleukin-2)
What role does IL-2 play in the immune response?
IL-2 promotes T cell proliferation and survival.
True or False: CD8+ T cells require less co-stimulation than CD4+ T cells.
True
What is the mechanism by which CD8+ T cells kill infected cells?
CD8+ T cells kill infected cells through the release of perforin and granzymes.
What is the purpose of T cell differentiation?
T cell differentiation allows T cells to acquire specialized functions for effective immune responses.
