Activation of cytotoxic T cells

Definition

Activation of cytotoxic T cells involves the recognition of antigens presented by infected or abnormal cells, followed by the proliferation and differentiation into effector cells capable of inducing apoptosis in target cells.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cytotoxic T cells, also known as CD8+ T cells, require antigen presentation by MHC class I molecules to become activated.
2. The activation process is facilitated by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) such as dendritic cells that provide necessary co-stimulatory signals.
3. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) plays a crucial role in promoting the proliferation and differentiation of activated cytotoxic T cells.
4. Once activated, cytotoxic T cells release perforin and granzymes to induce apoptosis in infected or abnormal target cells.
5. Memory cytotoxic T cells are generated after initial activation and provide faster responses upon subsequent exposures to the same antigen.

Review Questions

Related terms

Antigen-Presenting Cells (APCs):

Cells such as dendritic cells that present antigens on their surface via MHC molecules to activate T lymphocytes.

MHC Class I Molecules: Proteins found on almost all nucleated cells that present intracellular antigens to cytotoxic T lymphocytes.

Perforin:

A protein released by cytotoxic T cells and natural killer (NK) cells that forms pores in the membranes of target cells, leading to cell death.