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

7015 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What does the term 'enzyme' mean? What conditions affect an enyme's activity?


Glycogen and amylose are used for energy storage. Glycogen is found in animals. Amylose is found in plants. Describe how the structure of glycogen allows it to perform its function and explain the advantage to animals of using glycogen as an energy


What happens to the filtrate in the loop of Henle?


What are the important similarities and differences between RNA and DNA?


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