THE CONTEXT
Cell-mediated immunity (CMI) depends on T cell–dependent antigens and specific recognition by T cells.
Antigen dependence and recognition
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Only T cell–dependent antigens lead to cell-mediated immunity.
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Each T cell carries a specific surface receptor for one epitope and combines only with antigens carrying that epitope.
Responses to the appropriate antigen
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The described T-cell response includes blast transformation and clonal proliferation.
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T cells differentiate into memory cells and effector cells; the effector cells include T helper and cytotoxic cells that play a role in cell-mediated immunity.