Effector cells

Effector cells are a group of cells that have a specific effect on the immune system after they have been activated by an antigen. They are a crucial part of the adaptive immune response, as they are responsible for carrying out the functions that eliminate pathogens and prevent further infection.

Types of Effector Cells

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

• T cells: These cells are a type of lymphocyte that play a central role in cell-mediated immunity. They can be further divided into Cytotoxic T cells and Helper T cells. Cytotoxic T cells directly kill infected cells, while Helper T cells assist other white blood cells in immunologic processes.

• B cells: These cells are also a type of lymphocyte, but they are primarily responsible for humoral immunity (antibody production). Once activated by an antigen, B cells differentiate into plasma cells, which produce and secrete antibodies.

• Macrophages: These cells are a type of white blood cell that engulf and digest cellular debris, foreign substances, microbes, and cancer cells in a process called phagocytosis.

• Neutrophils: These are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are among the first to arrive at the site of an infection. They also perform phagocytosis and are particularly effective against bacteria.

Activation of Effector Cells

Effector cells are activated when they encounter an antigen. This can occur directly, as in the case of T cells, or indirectly, as in the case of B cells. Once activated, effector cells proliferate and differentiate into more specialized cells that can effectively combat the pathogen.

Role in Immune Response

Effector cells play a crucial role in both the innate and adaptive immune responses. They are responsible for eliminating pathogens and infected cells, and for producing molecules that help to regulate the immune response. In addition, effector cells also play a role in the immune memory, which allows the immune system to respond more quickly and effectively to subsequent encounters with the same pathogen.

See Also

• Immune system
• Antigen
• Pathogen
• Adaptive immune response
• Innate immune response