A newly diagnosed HIV-positive adolescent has blood work drawn, which includes a CD8 T-cell count. The nurse knows which of the following functions of CD8 T cells listed below will assist the adolescent's immune system in fighting off the viral attack? Select all that apply.
A) Release destructive enzymes
B) Trigger intracellular programmed death
C) Cause allergens to surround the virus
D) Boost antigen-antibody response
E) Remove foreign material from lymph before it enters the blood

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The primary function of cytotoxic T (CD8) cells is to monitor the activity of all cells in the body and destroy any that threaten the integrity of the body. The CD8 cells destroy target cells by releasing cytolytic enzymes, toxic cytokines, and pore-forming molecules or by triggering membrane molecules and intercellular apoptosis. Removal of foreign material from lymph before it enters the blood is the function of lymph nodes.

A Newly Diagnosed HIV-Positive Adolescent Has Blood Work Drawn, Which