Which cells are a subtype of T cells that help coordinate the immune response?

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Helper T cells are a critical subtype of T cells that play a central role in coordinating the immune response. They achieve this by releasing cytokines, which are signaling molecules that facilitate communication between various immune cells. Helper T cells not only assist in activating B cells to produce antibodies but also help activate cytotoxic T cells that directly kill infected cells. This coordination ensures a more effective and robust immune response against pathogens.

While memory T cells and suppressor T cells have important functions in the adaptive immune response, they do not primarily coordinate the immune response like helper T cells. Memory T cells are essential for long-term immunity, providing a quicker response upon re-exposure to previously encountered antigens, whereas suppressor T cells (also known as regulatory T cells) help to modulate and regulate the immune response to maintain balance and prevent autoimmunity. Therefore, while all these cells contribute to the immune system, it is the helper T cells that are specifically recognized for their coordinating role.

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