What is the Role of Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes in the Immune Response?
CTLs are pivotal in the immune response against intracellular pathogens, such as viruses and some bacteria, as well as in targeting and eliminating cancer cells. They recognize infected or abnormal cells by binding to peptide fragments presented by MHC class I molecules on the surface of these cells. Upon recognition, CTLs release cytotoxic granules containing perforin and granzymes that induce apoptosis in the target cells.
