Final answer:
Antigen presenting cells interact with naïve CD4+ T cells, leading to their activation. These activated T cells then help activate B cells and CD8+ T cells, while helper T cells secrete cytokines that further stimulate immune responses.
Step-by-step explanation:
Antigen presenting cells interact with naïve CD4+ T cells (Helper T cells) which recognize antigens bound to MHC II molecules on the surface of these cells. Specifically, the activation of T cells is a critical step in the adaptive immune response. Upon the engagement of MHC II molecules by the T cell receptor on naïve CD4+ T cells, the T cells become activated. Clones of the activated helper T cells then assist in activating B cells and CD8+ T cells, which differentiate into cytotoxic T cells capable of killing infected cells. Additionally, helper T cells secrete cytokines that are essential for the activation and proliferation of B cells, leading to the production of antibody-secreting plasma cells and memory B cells.