How do B-cells and T-cells contribute to the immune response?

B-cells and T-cells are crucial to the immune response, producing antibodies and killing infected cells respectively.

B-cells and T-cells are types of white blood cells that play vital roles in the immune response. They are part of the adaptive immune system, which is responsible for specifically targeting and eliminating pathogens. This system is characterised by its ability to remember past infections, which allows for a faster and more effective response if the same pathogen is encountered again.

B-cells, also known as B lymphocytes, are responsible for the production of antibodies. When a B-cell encounters a pathogen, it engulfs and processes it. The B-cell then presents pieces of the pathogen, known as antigens, on its surface. This triggers the B-cell to divide and differentiate into plasma cells and memory B-cells. Plasma cells produce antibodies that can bind to the pathogen and neutralise it, while memory B-cells remain in the body long-term to provide immunity against future infections by the same pathogen.

T-cells, or T lymphocytes, have several roles in the immune response. Helper T-cells stimulate B-cells to produce antibodies and assist in activating cytotoxic T-cells. Cytotoxic T-cells, also known as killer T-cells, are able to recognise and kill infected cells directly. They do this by binding to the infected cell and releasing chemicals that cause the cell to die. Like B-cells, T-cells also produce memory cells that provide long-term immunity.

Regulatory T-cells, another type of T-cell, help to control the immune response and prevent it from attacking the body's own cells. They do this by suppressing the activity of other immune cells once the infection has been cleared, preventing an overactive immune response that could lead to autoimmune diseases.

In summary, B-cells and T-cells work together to provide a specific and long-lasting immune response. B-cells produce antibodies that neutralise pathogens, while T-cells kill infected cells and regulate the immune response. Both types of cells also produce memory cells that provide long-term immunity, allowing the immune system to respond more effectively to future infections by the same pathogen.