The Search for Better Health Challenge Question 4!

[Survivor39]

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The Search for Better Health Challenge Question 4

T and B cells are an important component of the immune system.

Question 1 (Difficult: 8/10)

Killer T cell is more important in killing viruses than B cells. Why?


Question 2 (Difficulty: 9/10)

Is B cells useful in the fight against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (tuberculosis), Mycobacterium leprae (leprosy)? Why/Why not?

[Dr_Doom]

Because B cells only contain plasma B cells and memory B cells which do not help in killing viruses. ?

[Survivor39]

You are on the right track. But why don't they help kill viruses?

[+Po1ntDeXt3r+]

b) i know the answer... ill withhold from posting tho :$

[simplistic]

memory cell would sux against viruses coz of there high mutation rate
t cells which produce cytotoxice t cellls which produce enzymes such as preforin which caues the antigen to burst ( lyses ?)

umm wat about he fact that b cells identify the protein moleculs on the surface but the virus whole is a protein ..
of the fact that antibodies attach tot he epitope of the antigen but the virus has none thus cannto bind to it ?

[simplistic]

memory cell would sux against viruses coz of there high mutation rate
t cells which produce cytotoxice t cellls which produce enzymes such as preforin which caues the antigen to burst ( lyses ?)

umm wat about the fact that b cells identify the protein moleculs on the surface but the virus whole is a protein ..
of the fact that antibodies attach tot he epitope of the antigen but the virus has none thus cannto bind to it ?

[Survivor39]

Originally Posted by simplistic

memory cell would sux against viruses coz of there high mutation rate

- No. This doesn't really have much to do with the mutation of viruses.

Originally Posted by simplistic

t cells which produce cytotoxice t cellls which produce enzymes such as preforin which caues the antigen to burst ( lyses ?)

- Antigen is not a cell, it is a molecule, and it can't "burst".

Originally Posted by simplistic

umm wat about the fact that b cells identify the protein moleculs on the surface but the virus whole is a protein ..
of the fact that antibodies attach tot he epitope of the antigen but the virus has none thus cannto bind to it ?

- No.

[simplistic]

*stresses* so wat is the answer???

[Dr_Doom]

Is it because T cells are the only ones that contain MHC II markers to recognise that the cells are forign?

^^If that's right im a true biologist xD

[simplistic]

macrophage displaying antigens also have mhcII markers on their suface

[Dr_Doom]

yeah but he was only comparing the Tcells with Bcells XD

[Survivor39]

Originally Posted by Dr_Doom

Is it because T cells are the only ones that contain MHC II markers to recognise that the cells are forign?

^^If that's right im a true biologist xD

No, only dendritic cells, B cells and macrophages have MHC Class II on their cell surfaces. These are known as professional antigen presenting cells.

[mr EaZy]

this Q is interesting, i guess ill have to go back to my notes and ask .....

wait.... arent B and T cells both part of the 3rd line of defence?

[Survivor39]

Yes, but the term "third line of defence" is really just a term we use to make immunology more "understable" for high school students in the context that these cells are specific. In Scientific literature, you rarely see it being used.