Question

How are cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) produced?

Answer 1

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are produced through a three-step process involving activation, clonal proliferation, and differentiation. Activated CTLs kill infected cells through cytokines, perforin, and granzymes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are produced through a three-step process.

1. First, activation of CTLs occurs when antigen-presenting cells (APCs) present an antigen with MHC I and interact with the CD8 receptor complex on CTLs.
2. Second, cytokines produced by the APC and CTL activate clonal proliferation and differentiation of the CTLs.
3. Finally, the activated CTLs can differentiate into effector CTLs that directly kill infected cells or memory CTLs that respond to subsequent exposures.

Activated CTLs recognize infected cells and destroy them through releasing cytokines and inducing apoptosis with perforin and granzymes.