Question

Can you tell whether it's a T helper cell by looking at this structure - no

Now we can tell that it's a T-helper cell by seeing

Answer 1

Helper T lymphocytes (TH) can differentiate into TH1 and TH2 cells, which are involved in different types of immune responses. TH1 cells aid other immune cells like macrophages, while TH2 cells stimulate B cells. The exact type of T helper cell can generally be determined by cytokine profiles and functional differences rather than structure alone.

Step-by-step explanation:

The answer to whether one can identify a T helper cell by looking at its structure lies in understanding the different types of T cells and their functions. There are two main types of T cells: helper T lymphocytes (TH) and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (Tc). Helper T lymphocytes themselves can be differentiated into two populations: TH1 and TH2 cells. TH1 cells are known to secrete cytokines that enhance the activities of macrophages and other T cells, whereas TH2 cells help stimulate naïve B cells to secrete antibodies. The activation of a naïve helper T cell by an antigen-presenting cell can lead to the proliferation and differentiation into different subtypes such as TH1, TH2, or memory helper T cells.

These different subtypes are typically identified by their cytokine profiles and functional properties rather than just their structure. The specific type of immune response, whether TH1 or TH2, that develops depends on the cytokines secreted by cells of the innate immune system in response to the nature of the invading pathogen.