What is the primary role of helper T-cells?

What is the primary role of helper T-cells?

• A. They recognize non-self cells and secrete cytokines to enhance immune function.
• B. They kill infected cells directly.
• C. They produce antibodies.
• D. They engulf and digest pathogens.

Answer: (A)

Helper T-cells coordinate the immune response by recognizing antigens presented by antigen-presenting cells and releasing cytokines that activate and orchestrate other immune cells. This signaling boosts the activity of cytotoxic T-cells to kill infected cells, stimulates B cells to become antibody-secreting plasma cells, and enhances macrophage function. Because of this coordinating role, they are not the cells that directly kill targets, produce antibodies themselves, or engulf pathogens. Direct killing is carried out by cytotoxic T cells, antibodies are produced by B cells (plasma cells), and engulfing pathogens is done by phagocytes like macrophages.

Helper T-cells coordinate the immune response by recognizing antigens presented by antigen-presenting cells and releasing cytokines that activate and orchestrate other immune cells. This signaling boosts the activity of cytotoxic T-cells to kill infected cells, stimulates B cells to become antibody-secreting plasma cells, and enhances macrophage function. Because of this coordinating role, they are not the cells that directly kill targets, produce antibodies themselves, or engulf pathogens. Direct killing is carried out by cytotoxic T cells, antibodies are produced by B cells (plasma cells), and engulfing pathogens is done by phagocytes like macrophages.