Which type of cells destroy virally infected cells? (A) B cells (B) Killer T cells (C) Helper T cells (D) Cytotoxic T cells - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 8 - 2011 - Paper 1

To determine which type of cells destroy virally infected cells, it is important to understand the functions of the different types of T cells:

• B cells (A): They are primarily responsible for producing antibodies but do not directly kill infected cells.

• Killer T cells (B): This term is often used interchangeably with Cytotoxic T cells. They are involved in the direct killing of infected cells.

• Helper T cells (C): They assist other cells in the immune response but do not destroy infected cells directly.

• Cytotoxic T cells (D): These cells specifically target and destroy virally infected cells.

Based on this understanding, the correct answer is (D) Cytotoxic T cells.