Diagram the roles that T cells and B cells play in immunity.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the primary roles of T cells and B cells in the immune system.
2. Explain how T cells are involved in cell-mediated immunity, focusing on their ability to recognize and destroy infected cells.
3. Describe the role of B cells in humoral immunity, emphasizing their function in producing antibodies.
4. Illustrate the interaction between T cells and B cells, highlighting how T helper cells assist B cells in antibody production.
5. Summarize the overall contribution of T cells and B cells to adaptive immunity, noting their importance in memory cell formation and long-term immunity.

Key Concepts

T Cells

T cells are a type of lymphocyte that play a central role in cell-mediated immunity. They originate from the bone marrow but mature in the thymus. T cells can be further classified into helper T cells, which assist other immune cells, and cytotoxic T cells, which directly kill infected or cancerous cells. Their activation is crucial for orchestrating the immune response.

B Cells

B cells are another type of lymphocyte responsible for humoral immunity. They develop in the bone marrow and are primarily involved in the production of antibodies. Upon encountering an antigen, B cells can differentiate into plasma cells that secrete antibodies, which neutralize pathogens and mark them for destruction by other immune cells. Memory B cells are also formed, providing long-term immunity.

Immunological Memory

Immunological memory refers to the ability of the immune system to remember past infections and respond more effectively upon re-exposure to the same pathogen. This is primarily facilitated by memory T and B cells, which persist long after the initial infection. The rapid and robust response from these memory cells is the basis for the effectiveness of vaccines, as they prepare the immune system to combat specific pathogens more efficiently.