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

5470 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Rat poison is not always an effective rodenticide and will reduce in effectiveness with age. Explain why


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


A patient is infected by a pathogen. Explain the process of the imitation of the immune response (5 marks) The paitent was prescribed antibiotics yet their symptoms did not improve. What can you infer from this? (1 mark)?


Describe what happens in glycolysis.


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