What role do helper T cells play in the immune response?

Helper T cells play a crucial role in orchestrating the immune response by activating and regulating other immune cells. They do this primarily by releasing signaling molecules known as cytokines, which stimulate B cells to produce antibodies and enhance the activity of cytotoxic T cells, as well as macrophages and various other components of the immune system.

By activating B cells, helper T cells facilitate the humoral immune response, leading to the production of antibodies that neutralize pathogens and mark them for destruction. They also contribute to the cell-mediated immune response by enhancing the cytotoxic action of T cells that directly target and destroy infected cells. This activation is vital for a coordinated immune response, ensuring that the body can effectively combat infections and maintain immunological memory for future encounters with the same pathogens.