What are small polypeptides produced by T cells that help regulate the function of phagocytic cells called?

The correct answer is lymphokines, which are a subset of cytokines specifically produced by T cells. These small polypeptides play crucial roles in the immune response by regulating the functions of various immune cells, including phagocytes such as macrophages and neutrophils. Lymphokines facilitate communication between immune cells, enhance the phagocytic activity of these cells, and promote the overall immune response to pathogens.

Cytokines is a broader term that encompasses all kinds of signaling molecules in the immune system, including lymphokines as well as those produced by other cell types. While the term cytokines could also refer to the same molecules, specifically identifying them as lymphokines highlights their origin and specific function in relation to T cells.

Interferons are a specific type of cytokine that primarily interfere with viral replication and modulate the immune response but are not exclusively produced by T cells nor specifically aimed at regulating phagocytic activity. Chemokines are also a class of cytokines, but they are predominantly involved in chemotaxis, guiding the movement of immune cells to sites of infection or inflammation rather than regulating phagocytic function directly.

By understanding the role of lymphokines, it becomes clear why