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

5364 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe the secondary and tertiary structure of a protein


What is the difference between a saturated and unsaturated fatty acid?


Describe the mass flow hypothesis of translocation.


Describe the process of DNA replication


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning