How do lymphocytes destroy bacteria?

Answer 1

As part of the immune system, all lymphocytes are designed to ultimately defend the body against pathogens. However, amongst the T-cell variety of lymphocytes there are three further subdivisions/types:

• Helper T-cells: Act as regulators by producing proteins (lymphokines) that lead to the activation of the immune system, hence indirectly lead to the destruction of pathogens.
• Killer T-cells: Cytotoxic, hence they directly attack pathogens.
• Suppressor T-cells: Suppress Helpers and Killers, hence preventing the body from attacking its own tissues.

Answer 2

Lymphocytes are categorized into B cells, T cells or NK cells. B cells are mainly responsible for the production of antibodies against pathogens while T and NK cells are primarily cytotoxic.

The production of antibodies have 3 critical roles in your immune system: opsinization, it neutralizes and it starts the complement cascade. B cells are the factories that produces antibodies once exposed to an antigen (foreign body).

T and NK cells take a more direct approach in fighting pathogens (bacteria/fungus). They will act directly on an infected cell and induce apoptosis (cellular suicide).

Answer 3

Lymphocytes kill pathogens by producing antibodies.