Final answer:
Cytotoxic T cells are responsible for detecting and destroying infected cells that present viral proteins using MHC I molecules, thus distinguishing self from non-self and protecting against intracellular pathogens.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cytotoxic T cells can detect self from non-self and when viral proteins are displayed; the infected cells are identified as non-self and destroyed. Killing requires recognition of specific pathogen epitopes presented on the cell surface using MHC I molecules. When viral proteins are displayed on the cell surface, the cytotoxic T cells recognize the infected cells through the antigen presentation of pathogen-specific epitopes associated with MHC I. Once the infected cell is identified, the cytotoxic T cell releases perforin and granzymes that destroy the infected cell.
Cells infected with viruses or other intracellular pathogens are typically targeted and destroyed by activated cytotoxic T cells. These cells play a crucial role in the immune system's ability to distinguish between self and non-self molecules. When a pathogen infects a cell, it will often replicate inside the cell and may cause it to lyse. However, before this can happen, cytotoxic T cells, also known as CTLs, attempt to identify and destroy the infected cells. This process is possible because the infected cells present pathogen epitopes on their surface bound to MHC I molecules, signaling to the CTLs that the cell is non-self. Upon recognition, cytotoxic T cells release perforin and granzymes, leading to the induction of apoptosis in the infected cell, thereby preventing the spread of the pathogen.