Which type of immunity involves T cells and the process of cell lysis?

Study for the Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) Qualifying Exam. Explore comprehensive flashcards and detailed multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations to prepare effectively. Achieve success with confidence!

Cellular immunity is primarily mediated by T cells, which play a crucial role in the immune response, particularly in targeting and eliminating infected cells or cancerous cells. This type of immunity involves the activation of T lymphocytes, including cytotoxic T cells, which are responsible for recognizing and destroying cells that present specific antigens. The process of cell lysis is a key feature of cellular immunity, whereby these activated T cells release perforin and granzymes that induce apoptosis in target cells.

In contrast, humoral immunity is mainly associated with B cells and the production of antibodies, which target pathogens circulating in bodily fluids. Innate immunity refers to the body's first line of defense, involving non-specific responses to pathogens, including physical barriers and innate immune cells like macrophages. Chronic immunity is not a standard term in immunology; the concept usually applies to long-lasting immune responses or persistent infections, but it does not specifically describe a mechanism involving T cells and cell lysis like cellular immunity does.

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