What is the primary role of CD4 T cells in the immune system?

The primary role of CD4 T cells, also known as helper T cells, is to enhance the immune response by activating other immune cells. These cells play a crucial role in orchestrating the immune response by communicating with and stimulating various parts of the immune system. They help activate B cells to produce antibodies, enhance the killing power of cytotoxic T cells, and support macrophages in destroying pathogens.

CD4 T cells recognize antigens presented by other immune cells and release signaling molecules called cytokines that influence the activity of other immune cells. This process is essential for a coordinated and effective immune response, particularly during infections and in the adaptive immune response.

While CD4 T cells do not directly attack invaders or produce antibodies themselves, they facilitate these processes by ensuring that other cells in the immune system are activated and functioning optimally. In contrast, other immune cells, such as CD8 T cells, are responsible for directly killing infected cells, and B cells, once activated, are involved in antibody production. Since CD4 T cells do not carry out these functions directly but instead enable them, option B accurately captures their primary role in the immune system.