What are the Key Immune Cell Types in the Female Reproductive System?
Several immune cell types are prevalent in the female reproductive tract, each with unique functions:
1. T Lymphocytes: These cells are involved in cell-mediated immunity. They include CD4+ helper T cells, which assist other immune cells, and CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, which target infected or abnormal cells. 2. B Lymphocytes: Responsible for antibody production, B cells play a role in humoral immunity. 3. Macrophages: These cells phagocytose pathogens and present antigens to T cells, thus linking innate and adaptive immunity. 4. Dendritic Cells: Crucial for antigen presentation, dendritic cells activate T cells and initiate the adaptive immune response. 5. Natural Killer (NK) Cells: These cells provide rapid responses to virally infected cells and tumor formation. 6. Neutrophils: Primarily involved in combating infections, neutrophils are the first responders to microbial invasion.
