What is the role of helper T cells in adaptive immunity?

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Multiple Choice

What is the role of helper T cells in adaptive immunity?

Helper T cells, or CD4+ T cells, act as the conductors of the adaptive immune response. They recognize antigens presented by antigen-presenting cells on MHC class II molecules and respond by releasing a variety of cytokines. These signaling molecules coordinate and amplify the response by activating B cells to proliferate and differentiate into antibody-secreting plasma cells, and by promoting the activation and expansion of cytotoxic T cells that kill infected cells. They also help activate other immune cells like macrophages and modulate the overall intensity and duration of the response. They do not directly destroy infected cells, and they do not produce antibodies themselves—those tasks belong to cytotoxic T cells and B cells, respectively.

Helper T cells, or CD4+ T cells, act as the conductors of the adaptive immune response. They recognize antigens presented by antigen-presenting cells on MHC class II molecules and respond by releasing a variety of cytokines. These signaling molecules coordinate and amplify the response by activating B cells to proliferate and differentiate into antibody-secreting plasma cells, and by promoting the activation and expansion of cytotoxic T cells that kill infected cells. They also help activate other immune cells like macrophages and modulate the overall intensity and duration of the response. They do not directly destroy infected cells, and they do not produce antibodies themselves—those tasks belong to cytotoxic T cells and B cells, respectively.

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