Final answer:
CD8+ T cells recognize peptides of 8-10 amino acids presented on MHC I, while CD4+ T cells recognize peptides of 13-18 amino acids presented on MHC II.
Step-by-step explanation:
T cells recognize peptide antigens of different lengths depending on whether they are CD8+ or CD4+ cells. Specifically, CD8+ T cells, which become cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), typically recognize peptide antigens of about 8-10 amino acids (AA) in length presented on MHC I molecules. On the other hand, CD4+ cells, which become helper T (TH) lymphocytes, recognize longer peptide antigens ranging from 13-18 amino acids (AA) presented on MHC II molecules. These interactions are essential for T cells to exert their immune functions, with CD4+ cells aiding in the immune response and CD8+ cells directly killing infected cells.
SUMUP of the final answer:
- CD8+ T cells recognize peptide antigens of 8-10 amino acids (AA).
- CD4+ T cells recognize peptide antigens of 13-18 amino acids (AA).