Question

What is the function of a TH cell?

1) To recognize and kill target cells
2) To produce enhanced secondary response to an antigen
3) To become activated when its immunoglobulins bind to its specific epitope
4) To assist in the activation of B cells

Answer 1

The function of a TH cell is to assist in the activation of B cells, with TH2 cells promoting B cell proliferation and differentiation into antibody-secreting plasma cells, while TH1 cells enhance the activities of macrophages and cytotoxic T cells.

Step-by-step explanation:

The function of a T helper (TH) cell is to assist in the activation of B cells. Helper T lymphocytes, particularly TH2 cells, play an essential role in the immune response by secreting specific cytokines that potentiate the immune function of B cells. These cytokines stimulate naïve B cells to proliferate and differentiate into plasma cells that secrete antibodies, ensuring a tailored response to the invasive pathogen.

TH1 cells, another subtype of helper T cells, secrete different cytokines that enhance the actions of macrophages and cytotoxic T cells, targeting primarily intracellular pathogens. Thus, whether a TH1 or TH2 response occurs depends on the types of cytokines secreted in response to different pathogens.