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AAT Bioquest

How do cytotoxic T-cells and helper T-cells work together?

Posted August 24, 2023


Answer

Cytotoxic T cells and helper T cells are two distinct types of T lymphocytes. 

Cytotoxic T-cells, also known as CD8+ T cells are capable of directly targeting and eliminating infected or malignant cells to prevent further spread of the infection or malignancy. 

Helper T cells, also known as CD4+ T cells play a supportive but pivotal role in coordinating the immune response. When helper T-cells sense an infection, they release cytokines, which are molecules that send messages to other immune cells. These cytokines help activate cytotoxic T-cells to fight the infection. Helper T cells also maximize the cytotoxic T cell population expansion during a primary immune response, ensuring a swifter, more efficient immune response.

Additional resources

T cell-mediated cytotoxicity

CD4 (Leu3, T4)

iFluor® 488 Anti-human CD4 Antibody *HIT4a*

CD8 (TCR, Leu2, T8)

iFluor® 488 Anti-human CD8 Antibody *OKT-8*