Final answer:
Killer T cells, known as cytotoxic T cells, destroy cells infected with viruses or cancer cells, while Helper T cells coordinate the immune response.
Step-by-step explanation:
What activated T cells are active against viruses and protect the body against cancer? The types of T cells that perform these specific roles are Killer T cells and Helper T cells. Killer T cells, also known as cytotoxic T cells, are directly involved in attacking and destroying cells that are infected by viruses or have become cancerous. On the other hand, Helper T cells do not directly kill infected or cancerous cells; instead, they play a pivotal role in the management and direction of immune responses, ultimately leading to the activation of other immune cells including Killer T cells.
- Killer T cells (Cytotoxic T cells) - They specifically target and destroy cells infected with viruses and cancer cells, being essential for cell-mediated immunity.
- Helper T cells (CD4+ T cells) - They release cytokines to manage and coordinate the immune response, including the activation of Killer T cells and B cells.