Figure 8.39. Cytotoxic T cells kill target cells bearing specific antigen while sparing neighboring uninfected cells.

Figure 8.39Cytotoxic T cells kill target cells bearing specific antigen while sparing neighboring uninfected cells

All the cells in a tissue are susceptible to lysis by the cytotoxic proteins of armed effector CD8 T cells, but only infected cells are killed. Specific recognition by the T-cell receptor identifies which target cell to kill, and the polarized release of granules (not shown) ensures that neighboring cells are spared.

From: T cell-mediated cytotoxicity

Cover of Immunobiology
Immunobiology: The Immune System in Health and Disease. 5th edition.
Janeway CA Jr, Travers P, Walport M, et al.
New York: Garland Science; 2001.
Copyright © 2001, Garland Science.

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