Explain the role of T-cells in immune response to viral infection

When T cells bind to viral antigens presented by macrophages they undergo mitosis to form 4 distinct cell variants:
Memory T cells- remain in the blood stream to initiate a faster immune response upon re-exposure to specific antigen by rapidly undergoing mitosis to increase numbers of antigen-specific T cells.
Helper T cell- trigger large scale specific immune response by releasing cytokines (chemical messengers) to stimulate the maturation of B cells to produce specific antibodies, the formation of memory B cells to create long term immunity and the activation of phagoctyes and cytotoxic T cells.
Cytotoxic T cells- recognise and destroy infected cells to prevent further production and release of viral particles.
Suppressor T cells- when viral load has been lowered through successful immune response, suppressor T cells end the large-scale immune response to prevent the wastage of protein resources.

WS
Answered by Will S. Biology tutor

5766 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How are polynucleotide DNA strands held together? (3 marks)


Describe the ways in which the pancreas acts as both an endocrine and exocrine gland


How is protein digested in the human gut?


How is DNA packaged within Eukaryotic Cell nucleosomes


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning