Lymphokines are released by activated T cells to help coordinate the immune response. Which cells release lymphokines?

Lymphokines are released by activated T cells to help coordinate the immune response. Which cells release lymphokines?

• A. B Cells
• B. Macrophages
• C. Activated T Cells
• D. Natural Killer Cells

Answer: (C)

Lymphokines are signaling proteins produced by lymphocytes to coordinate the immune response. The key source is activated T cells. When T cells are stimulated by an antigen, they release lymphokines such as IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, and IFN-γ. IL-2 drives T cell proliferation, IL-4 and IL-5 help B cells with antibody production and class switching, and IFN-γ activates macrophages to enhance microbial killing. This cytokine signaling from activated T cells orchestrates the overall response by recruiting and modulating other immune cells. While B cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells all participate in cytokine signaling, the classic term lymphokines refers to those produced by activated T cells.

Lymphokines are signaling proteins produced by lymphocytes to coordinate the immune response. The key source is activated T cells. When T cells are stimulated by an antigen, they release lymphokines such as IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, and IFN-γ. IL-2 drives T cell proliferation, IL-4 and IL-5 help B cells with antibody production and class switching, and IFN-γ activates macrophages to enhance microbial killing. This cytokine signaling from activated T cells orchestrates the overall response by recruiting and modulating other immune cells. While B cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells all participate in cytokine signaling, the classic term lymphokines refers to those produced by activated T cells.