Helper T Cell Assignment
Madeline Westrick
BIO 251
4/21/17
Assignment 11: HIV and Helper T Cells
T Cells are the first to be impacted by an HIV infection that enters a host. Helper T cells - which originate in the lymphatic tissue - are critical to immune system functioning, and assist in a variety of different ways. First, Helper T cells produce cytokines, which are chemical messengers that alert other members of the immune system that the body is under attack from an antigen. Helper T cells activate B Cells, which are another “flavor” of lymphocyte. The B cells will develop a clonal line that produce both plasma (antibody-carrying) and memory B cells, both of which are critical in immune defense and a faster recovery period in incidences of future repeated infection.
Additionally, Helper T cells activate cytotoxic T cells, which kill “self” cells in the body that are cancerous, virally infected, or otherwise unsafe. Helper T cells also have the ability to recognize MHC II via TCR (T-cell receptors) that recognize the traces of antigen on the MHC. Clearly, an HIV infection is a devastating blow to the immune system. The Helper T cells are the glue that holds the system of immunity together, and to lose them will have overwhelming consequences.
BIO 251
4/21/17
Assignment 11: HIV and Helper T Cells
T Cells are the first to be impacted by an HIV infection that enters a host. Helper T cells - which originate in the lymphatic tissue - are critical to immune system functioning, and assist in a variety of different ways. First, Helper T cells produce cytokines, which are chemical messengers that alert other members of the immune system that the body is under attack from an antigen. Helper T cells activate B Cells, which are another “flavor” of lymphocyte. The B cells will develop a clonal line that produce both plasma (antibody-carrying) and memory B cells, both of which are critical in immune defense and a faster recovery period in incidences of future repeated infection.
Additionally, Helper T cells activate cytotoxic T cells, which kill “self” cells in the body that are cancerous, virally infected, or otherwise unsafe. Helper T cells also have the ability to recognize MHC II via TCR (T-cell receptors) that recognize the traces of antigen on the MHC. Clearly, an HIV infection is a devastating blow to the immune system. The Helper T cells are the glue that holds the system of immunity together, and to lose them will have overwhelming consequences.