Explain the role of B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes in the defence of the body against a virus infection

B-lymphocytes are involved in the humoral response and produce antibodies specific to the antigen. The antibodies bind to antigens and causes the virus to clump together/agglutinate.T-lymphocytes are involved in the cell-mediated response and are involved in producing T-helper cells and T killer cells. Killer T-cells kill cells infected by the virus using proteins such as perforin. T helper cells are involved in aiding the clonal expansion of B cells and also encourages phagocytosis of the agglutinated virus. B lymphocytes also produce memory cells to produce a faster immune response if it ever comes into contact with the same virus again.

Answered by Biology tutor

6967 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe the blood flow through the heart


Describe an action potential.


Why does a base substitution in DNA not always result in the formation of non-functional proteins?


Give 2 features of DNA and explain how each one is important is semi-conservative replication?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning