Skip to main content
Ch. 22 The Lymphatic System and Immunity
Martini - Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology 11th Edition
Martini, Nath, Bartholomew11th EditionFundamentals of Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874089Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 22, Problem 11

CD4 markers are associated with
(a) Cytotoxic T cells
(b) Regulatory T cells
(c) Helper T cells
(d) All of these

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the role of CD4 markers in the immune system. CD4 is a glycoprotein found on the surface of certain T cells and plays a crucial role in immune response by helping these cells recognize antigens presented by other cells.
Step 2: Identify the types of T cells that express CD4 markers. CD4 markers are primarily found on Helper T cells, which assist other immune cells by releasing cytokines to coordinate the immune response.
Step 3: Consider the other T cell types listed: Cytotoxic T cells typically express CD8 markers, not CD4, and are responsible for directly killing infected cells.
Step 4: Regulatory T cells, which help maintain immune tolerance and prevent autoimmune responses, also express CD4 markers along with other specific markers like CD25.
Step 5: Conclude that CD4 markers are associated with both Helper T cells and Regulatory T cells, but not Cytotoxic T cells, so the correct association is with Helper T cells and Regulatory T cells, not all T cell types.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

CD4 Marker

CD4 is a glycoprotein found on the surface of certain immune cells. It acts as a co-receptor that enhances the immune response by helping T cells recognize antigens presented by MHC class II molecules. CD4 is primarily expressed on helper T cells and some regulatory T cells.
Recommended video:
5:58
Cytotoxic T Cells vs. Helper T Cells

Helper T Cells

Helper T cells (Th cells) are a subset of T lymphocytes that express the CD4 marker. They play a central role in orchestrating the immune response by activating other immune cells, such as B cells and cytotoxic T cells, through cytokine secretion.
Recommended video:
4:27
Review of Cytotoxic vs Helper T Cells

Regulatory T Cells

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) also express the CD4 marker and are essential for maintaining immune tolerance. They suppress excessive immune responses and prevent autoimmune diseases by controlling the activity of other immune cells.
Recommended video:
3:53
Regulatory T Cells