Cytotoxic T cells are primarily responsible for what function?

Cytotoxic T cells play a crucial role in the adaptive immune response, primarily focusing on identifying and eliminating compromised or abnormal cells, such as those infected by viruses or transformed into cancerous cells. These cells recognize specific antigens presented on the surface of infected or malignantly transformed cells. Upon recognition, cytotoxic T cells release perforins and granzymes that induce apoptosis, effectively destroying the target cells while sparing neighboring healthy cells, which is vital for maintaining tissue integrity.

Understanding the function of cytotoxic T cells highlights their importance in the body's defense against intracellular pathogens and tumor cells. This specific role distinguishes them from other immune cells, like helper T cells, which primarily activate other components of the immune system, or regulatory T cells, which help maintain immune tolerance and prevent autoimmune reactions.