cell-mediated immune response

cell-med·i·at·ed immune response  (slmd-td)

n.

The immune response produced when sensitized T cells directly attack foreign antigens and secrete lymphokines that initiate the body's humoral immune response. Also called cellular immune response.

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cell-mediated immune response

An immune response produced when T cells, especially cytotoxic T cells, that are sensitized to foreign antigens attack and lyse target cells. In addition to direct cytotoxicity, T cells can stimulate the production of lymphokines that activate macrophages. Cell-mediated immune responses are important in defense against pathogens, autoimmune diseases, some acquired allergies, and other immune reactions.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

cell-mediated immune response - an immune response (chiefly against viral or fungal invasions or transplanted tissue) that involves T cells immune reaction, immune response, immunologic response - a bodily defense reaction that recognizes an invading substance (an antigen: such as a virus or fungus or bacteria or transplanted organ) and produces antibodies specific against that antigen