A&P Immune System Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Prep

Cell-mediated immunity is primarily associated with T cells, particularly because they play a crucial role in the adaptive immune response. T cells can be classified into several subtypes, including helper T cells (CD4+ T cells), which assist other immune cells, and cytotoxic T cells (CD8+ T cells), which directly attack and destroy infected cells or cancer cells.

This type of immunity does not involve the production of antibodies, which is the primary function of B cells. Instead, it directly targets pathogens within infected cells and is essential for clearing intracellular pathogens, such as viruses and some bacteria. Macrophages and dendritic cells serve important roles in the immune system, such as phagocytosing pathogens and presenting antigens to T cells, but they do not directly mediate the cellular immune response in the same way that T cells do.

Thus, the fundamental aspect of cell-mediated immunity is its reliance on T cells, emphasizing their pivotal role in orchestrating immune responses and protecting against infectious agents.