Question

Fill in the blank

The helper T cell can help activate the CD8 cell to become a ____________ T cell in two ways:
• It stimulates the dendritic cells to express additional ___________________ molecules
• It secretes _____________ (including interleukin-2) to help activation

Answer 1

The helper T cell activates the CD8 cell to become a cytotoxic T cell by stimulating dendritic cells to express more costimulatory molecules and by secreting cytokines, including interleukin-2.

Step-by-step explanation:

The helper T cell can help activate the CD8 cell to become a cytotoxic T cell in two ways:

• It stimulates the dendritic cells to express additional costimulatory molecules
• It secretes cytokines (including interleukin-2) to help activation

Activated helper T cells can differentiate into distinct subtypes such as TH1, TH2, TH17, or memory helper T cells. These differentiations are directed by the specific cytokines to which they are exposed. The helper T cells, bearing the CD4 molecule, perform their function by secreting cytokines that enhance other immune responses. On the other hand, cytotoxic T cells, which express CD8, are responsible for killing infected cells.