Resistance of the Body to Infection:

II. Immunity and Allergy

Reference:
(Chapter # 35 Guyton & Hall 14th Edition)

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Omar Shamim

 Specific Learning Objective

• Describe the role of Helper T-cells

in cell mediated immunity
T Lymphocytes:

T lymphocytes are transformed into:

 Helper T cell, (CD - 4 Cell) or Inducer T cell (stimulates B cell
into plasma cells which secrete antibodies, Helper T cells also
activate cytotoxic T cell)
– Helper T cells are the most numerous of the T cells, usually
constituting more than 75% of all of them

 Cytotoxic T cell (killer cell)

T Lymphocytes:

T lymphocytes are transformed into:

 Supressor T cell / Regulatory T cell (prevent autoimmune

disease)

 Memory T cell (antigen specific, develop after exposure &

recognition of a particular antigen, rapid production upon re-

exposure to an antigen)
Role of Helper T (CD – 4) Cells in Cell Medicated
Immunity:

1. Antigen Presentation and Activation:

 Helper T cells cannot directly attack pathogens themselves

Instead, they rely on antigen-presenting cells (APCs), such as

macrophages and dendritic cells, to capture and process foreign

invaders (antigens)
Role of Helper T (CD – 4) Cells in Cell Medicated
Immunity:

1. Antigen Presentation and Activation:

 These APCs then break down the antigens into smaller
fragments & present them on their surface by a Major
Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) Protein

 Helper T cells have specific receptors that can recognize these

antigen-MHC class II complexes

 When a helper T cell encounters its specific antigen presented

by an APC, it becomes activated
Role of Helper T (CD – 4) Cells in Cell Medicated
Immunity:

2. Lymphokine Secretion:
• Once activated, helper T cells become Lymphokine factories

• Lymphokines are specialized signaling molecules that act as

messengers in the immune system

• Helper T cells secrete various lymphokines depending on the type

of antigen they recognize
Role of Helper T (CD – 4)Cells in Cell Medicated
Immunity:
Lymphokines:

 Small proteins that are crucial in controlling the

growth and activity of other immune system cells and
blood cells produced by T cells of the immune system

 Lymphokines act to attract additional immune cells to

mount an immune response, for instance in
stimulating B cells to generate antibodies against the
invading pathogen
Specific Regulatory Functions of Lymphokines

In the absence of the lymphokines from the T-helper

cells, the remainder of the immune system is almost
paralyzed

Inactivated & destroyed Helper T (CD – 4) Cells by human

immunodeficiency virus (HIV) leads to acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
Specific Regulatory Functions of Lymphokines

3. Stimulation of Growth and Proliferation of Cytotoxic T

Cells and Regulatory (Suppressor) T Cells

4. Stimulation of B-Cell Growth and Differentiation to

Form Plasma Cells and Antibodies

5. Activation of the Macrophage System

Specific Regulatory Functions of Lymphokines

6. Feedback Stimulatory Effect on T-Helper Cells (Positive

feedback)
 Interleukin-2, have a direct positive feedback effect in
stimulating activation of T-helper Cells

 This acts as an amplifier by further enhancing the helper

cell response, as well as the entire immune response to
an invading antigen
 Specific Learning Objective

• Explain the role of memory cells

in enhancing antibody response
(secondary response)
 FORMATION OF MEMORY CELLS
• A few of the lymphoblasts formed by
activation of a clone of B lymphocytes do not
go on to form plasma cells
BUT
• Instead, form moderate numbers of new B
lymphocytes similar to those of the original
clone known as Memory Cells
 FORMATION OF MEMORY CELLS

• These cells are added to original lymphocyte

clone

• Memory cells circulate throughout the body

to populate all the lymphoid tissue
 FORMATION OF MEMORY CELLS
• They remain dormant until activated once
again by fresh entry of same antigen

• This subsequent exposure produces much >

rapid & much > potent response
 Contd.

L.P POTENCY DURATION

• Primary 1 week weak few weeks

Response

• Secondary within strong many

Response hours months or
life-time