key term - Th1 cells

Definition

Th1 cells, or T helper 1 cells, are a subset of CD4+ T cells that play a crucial role in cellular immunity by aiding in the activation and function of macrophages and cytotoxic T cells. They primarily respond to intracellular pathogens such as viruses and certain bacteria by producing the cytokine interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), which enhances the immune response.

Related terms

Macrophages:

A type of white blood cell that engulfs and digests cellular debris, foreign substances, microbes, cancer cells, and anything else that does not have proteins specific to healthy body cells on its surface.

Cytotoxic T Cells: A type of lymphocyte that kills cancer cells, cells that are infected (particularly with viruses), or damaged in other ways.

Interferon:

gamma (IFN-γ) - A cytokine critical for innate and adaptive immunity against viral and intracellular bacterial infections and for tumor control