The human immune system is an elegant system of intricately inter-related & inte
ID: 95284 • Letter: T
Question
The human immune system is an elegant system of intricately inter-related & inter-dependent players (T cells, B cells, etc, etc.). There is a degree of overlap in function so that, no matter the invader or means of invasion, the human immune system has an (or several) answer(s) for whatever problem the latest pathogen has to offer. What is it about T cells, then, that their deficiency can lead to so many problems with immune response to various pathogens? Use specific examples in your discussion.
Explanation / Answer
T cells or T lymphocytes that play a central role in cell-mediated immunity. They tailor the body's immune response to specific pathogens. The T cells originate in the bone marrow and mature in the thymus. The T cells multiply and differentiate into helper T cells, regulatory T cells, cytotoxic T cells, or memory T cells. They reach the peripheral tissues or circulate in the lymphatic system. When they are stimulated by an antigen, the helper T cells secrete cytokines, which stimulate the differentiation of B cells into plasma cells (antibody-producing cells). The regulatory T cells act to control immune reactions and the cytotoxic T cells are activated by various cytokines, which bind to and kill infected cells.
The defects in T-cell commonly causes abnormalities in immune regulation. The T-cell to B-cell communication becomes defective, with partial defects in antibody production and increased incidence of atopy and autoimmune disorders. This inadequate antibody responses are directed against the polysaccharide antigens from the bacteria and causes sinopulmonary infections.
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