T helper cell and interleukin molecules, illustration. T helper cells play an important role in the immune system. After activation by an antigen-presenting cell, this T helper cell (centre) is segregating interleukin (IL) cytokines (at right and across bottom). Clockwise from top right, these are: IL-13, IL-10, IL-6, IL-5 and IL-4. This leads to B cell antibody class switching, activation of cytotoxic T cells, and maximizing the bactericidal activity of phagocytes such as macrophages. For this illustration with labels, see image F025/2787. |