The generation of optimal CD8 T cell memory following a primary infection requires CD4 T cell help for the responding CD8 T cells. This requirement for CD4 T cell help would not be completely replaced by supplying high levels of the cytokine IL-2 during the primary CD8 T cell response.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Even though IL-2 can enhance the proliferation and differentiation of CD8 T cells during the primary response, it cannot fully compensate for the absence of CD4 T cell help in generating optimal CD8 T cell memory. CD4 T cells play a crucial role in providing signals that promote the survival, expansion, and differentiation of CD8 T cells during the priming phase, and the absence of this help can lead to impaired memory formation.

The Generation of Optimal CD8 T Cell Memory Following a Primary