Final answer:
Cytotoxic T cells destroy infected cells by releasing perforins and granzymes. Perforins create pores in the target cell's membrane, and granzymes induce apoptosis to eliminate the infected cells in a controlled manner.
Step-by-step explanation:
Activated cytotoxic T cells destroy foreign or infected cells using perforins and granzymes. These cells form a crucial part of the adaptive immune system and are particularly vital in combating viral infections. Once a cytotoxic T cell recognizes an infected target cell via antigen presentation on MHC I, it engages and releases perforins, which punch holes in the target cell's membrane. Following this, granzymes enter through these pores and induce apoptosis within the cell, leading to its controlled elimination without releasing the pathogens inside, which could infect neighboring cells.