Effector cell

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Effector cells are a group of cells that have a role in the body's immune response. They are responsible for carrying out the effects of the immune response, such as destroying infected cells or pathogens. Effector cells can be T cells, B cells, or other types of immune cells.

Types of Effector Cells[edit | edit source]

There are several types of effector cells, each with a specific role in the immune response.

T Cells[edit | edit source]

T cells are a type of white blood cell that play a key role in the immune response. There are several types of T cells, including effector T cells. These cells are responsible for recognizing and killing infected cells.

B Cells[edit | edit source]

B cells are another type of white blood cell that play a role in the immune response. When B cells are activated, they differentiate into plasma cells, which are a type of effector cell. Plasma cells produce antibodies, which are proteins that can bind to specific antigens on the surface of pathogens and help to destroy them.

Natural Killer Cells[edit | edit source]

Natural killer cells are a type of lymphocyte that can kill infected cells without the need for activation by other immune cells. They are considered a type of effector cell because of their ability to kill infected cells.

Role in the Immune Response[edit | edit source]

Effector cells play a crucial role in the immune response. They are responsible for carrying out the effects of the immune response, such as destroying infected cells or pathogens. This is done through a variety of mechanisms, including the production of antibodies by B cells, the killing of infected cells by T cells, and the killing of infected cells by natural killer cells.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Effector cell Resources
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Contributors: Bonnu, Prab R. Tumpati, MD