AAMC FL Practice Exam

Which cells are crucial for activating macrophages and other immune cells?

1. Cytotoxic T cells

2. B cells

3. Helper T cells

4. Natural killer cells

The correct answer is: Helper T cells

Helper T cells play a vital role in the activation of macrophages and other immune cells. They are instrumental in coordinating the immune response by releasing cytokines that stimulate various immune cells. When activated, helper T cells can enhance the activity of macrophages, making them more effective at phagocytosis and killing pathogens. They also help activate B cells to produce antibodies and can influence the activity of cytotoxic T cells. The other cell types listed have different roles in the immune response. Cytotoxic T cells are primarily responsible for directly killing infected or cancerous cells, not directly activating macrophages. B cells are mainly involved in antibody production and humoral immunity rather than the activation of macrophages. Natural killer cells play a role in the innate immune response and target virally infected cells or tumors, but they do not activate other immune cells like macrophages to the same extent as helper T cells do.