T Cells Expressing the Co-Receptor CD8 Are Generally Cytotoxic Cells

Essay

T cells expressing the co-receptor CD8 are generally cytotoxic cells, with an important function in eliminating virus infections that can occur in many different cell types and tissues. In contrast, CD4 T cells directly interact with a very restricted set of cells, such as dendritic cells, macrophages, and B cells. Describe one important mechanism that accounts for this division of labor between CD8 and CD4 T cells.