How your body distinguishes 'self' from 'invader' at a cellular level
In short: This video breaks down the intricate pathway of the cellular response, explaining how your immune system identifies pathogens and coordinates a precise defense. It is essential for understanding how specific immunity provides long-term protection.
The immune system operates through both non-specific and specific defenses. Specific immunity relies on lymphocytes, specifically T cells and B cells, to recognize unique antigens. The process begins when phagocytes engulf pathogens to become antigen-presenting cells (APCs).
Once an APC presents an antigen, T helper cells with complementary receptors bind to it and undergo clonal expansion via mitosis. These activated T helper cells then stimulate B cells and phagocytes, while also differentiating into T killer cells to destroy infected cells and T memory cells to ensure a rapid secondary response if the pathogen returns.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: A-Level Biology - Cellular Response - T Cells | Non-specific & Specific Defences (2027/28 exams)
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