Cytotoxic T Cells and Their Mechanisms

Cytoplasmic Organelles

• Common Organelles: Golgi apparatus, Microtubule organizing center
• Specialized Organelles: Cytotoxic granules (found in CD8 effector T cells and natural killer cells)

Interaction with Target Cells

• Redistribution of Organelles: During interaction, organelles become redistributed to deliver effector functions directly to the target cell

Adhesion and Initial Contact

• Adhesion Molecule: LFA-1 mediates initial contact with potential target cell by binding to ICAM-1
• No Specific Antigen Found: T cell is not stimulated, and cells disengage
• Specific Antigen Found: T cell receptor activation leads to changes in cytoskeleton and organelle movement

Effector Functions

• Reorganization: Directs granule release and new protein synthesis to the interface between the T cell and its target
• Cytokine Release: Certain cytokines (e.g., interleukin-2, interferon-gamma) are released from Golgi and directed to the target cell