BRAINCAKECytotoxic T Cells
Cytotoxic T cells, called T killer cells in the Edexcel specification, are the effector cells of the cell-mediated response. They destroy body cells that display a specific non-self antigen, such as virus-infected cells and some cancer cells.
How they kill:
1. A T killer cell is activated when its receptor binds a complementary antigen and it receives cytokines from T helper cells. It divides to form a clone.
2. The T killer cells circulate and bind to any body cell displaying the same antigen fragment on its MHC proteins.
3. The T killer cell releases a protein called perforin, which inserts into the cell surface membrane of the target cell and forms pores.
Sign in free to see the rest of this lesson, the R.E.C.I.P.E. recall steps and the quiz
BrainCake is free. Make an account in seconds and pick up where this page stops.
Key terms in this lesson
- mhc protein
- A protein displayed on the surface of body cells that presents antigen fragments to T cells, allowing self to be distinguished from non-self.
More in Response to Infection
- The Effector Stage
- Clonal Selection
- Antibodies
- The Cell-Mediated Response
- Primary and Secondary Immune Response
- Types of Immunity
- Artificial Passive Immunity
- Artificial Active Immunity - Vaccines
All 20 lessons in Response to Infection · All Edexcel A-level Biology topics