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What are two examples of cytotoxins CD8 cells produce and what are their purpose?

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Final answer:

Cytotoxic T cells produce cytotoxins like perforin and granzymes which induce apoptosis in virus-infected cells, destroying both the cell and the virus, and they also form memory cells for quicker future immune responses.

Step-by-step explanation:

Two examples of cytotoxins produced by CD8+ cells, also known as cytotoxic T cells, are perforin and granzymes. Perforin works by punching holes in the cell membrane of infected cells, allowing granzymes to enter. Once inside, granzymes trigger a cascade of events that lead to apoptosis, which is the programmed cell death of the infected cells, thus ensuring the death of both the infected cell and the virus. In addition to their cytotoxic role, cytotoxic T cells also form memory cells that help mount a rapid immune response if the same pathogen were to re-enter the body in the future.

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