What chemical messengers do T cells release to help direct the immune response?

T cells release cytokines as chemical messengers to help direct and regulate the immune response. Cytokines are proteins that facilitate communication between cells, playing a crucial role in the immune system's coordination and activation. When T cells encounter pathogens or infected cells, they release cytokines to signal other immune cells to respond appropriately, enhancing the overall immune response.

Cytokines can have various effects, such as promoting inflammation, activating other immune cells like B cells and macrophages, or regulating the growth and differentiation of immune cells. This makes them essential for orchestrating an effective immune response.

Other options, such as antigens, enzymes, and hormones, do not fulfill the role of directing the immune response in the same way that cytokines do. Antigens are substances that provoke an immune response but are not messengers released by T cells. Enzymes are biological catalysts that facilitate chemical reactions but do not function as signaling molecules in the immune response. Hormones, while crucial for various bodily functions, are not directly involved in the immune response coordination initiated by T cells.