The Immune Response System

Figure 7 Antigens (small green

knobs), such as those from a virus
(yellow), activate helper T cells. Helper T 1 A virus, which
cells then activate both the intracellular displays viral antigens,
response (by stimulating T cells) Virus particles can infect body cells.
and the extracellular response (by in the body
stimulating B cells).

Macrophage

Viral antigen 2 Macrophages engulf

the virus and display the
viral antigens.

Virus

3 Virus-containing
macrophages activate
helper T cells.

B cell response T cell response

Helper T cells

4 Helper T cells 7 Helper T cells

start production of start production of
B cells that have the B cell cytotoxic T cells that
specific receptor. have the specific
Cytotoxic receptor.
T cell

Plasma cells
5 B cells form Cytotoxic
specific plasma T cell
cells.
8 If a body
cell becomes
infected, cytotoxic
T cells destroy it.

6 Plasma cells
make and release Antibodies Infected
antibodies that body cell
bind to the viral
antigens. This ac-
tion tags the virus
for destruction.
Virus particles

SECTION 2 Eliminating Invaders 921