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
- Cytotoxic T cells, also known as CD8+ T cells, require antigen presentation by MHC class I molecules to become activated.
- The activation process is facilitated by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) such as dendritic cells that provide necessary co-stimulatory signals.
- Interleukin-2 (IL-2) plays a crucial role in promoting the proliferation and differentiation of activated cytotoxic T cells.
- Once activated, cytotoxic T cells release perforin and granzymes to induce apoptosis in infected or abnormal target cells.
- Memory cytotoxic T cells are generated after initial activation and provide faster responses upon subsequent exposures to the same antigen.
Review Questions
- What type of molecule presents antigens to cytotoxic T cells for activation?
- Which cytokine is essential for the proliferation and differentiation of cytotoxic T cells?
- What are the two main substances released by activated cytotoxic T cells to kill target cells?
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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.
