Question

Clearly describe six ways in which macrophages and lymphoctyes (both B- and/or T-cells) interact during an immune response.

Answer 1

T cells are involved in cell-mediated immunity, whereas B cells are primarily responsible for humoral immunity (relating to antibodies).

The function of T cells and B cells is to recognize specific "non-self" antigens, during a process known as antigen presentation.

BCRs allow the B cell to bind to a specific antigen, against which it will initiate an antibody response.  peptide fragments are carried to the surface of the APC on special molecules called MHC proteins, which then allow the T cells to detect them and become activated. Once they are activated, they divide quickly and secrete protein signals known as cytokines, which regulate and support the immune response.

B cells can inhibit tumor development through the production of tumor-reactive antibodies, promoting tumor killing by NK cells, phagocytosis by macrophages, and the priming of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.

helper T cells 'help' other cells of the immune system, whilst cytotoxic T cells kill virally infected cells and tumours. Unlike antibody, the TCR cannot bind antigen directly.