Which of the following chemicals is released by one type of immune cell to directly activate another type of immune cell?
A. Lysozymes
B. Perforin
C. Cytokines
D. Granzymes
Cytokines are small proteins that act as chemical messengers between different types of immune cells. They can stimulate or inhibit the activation, proliferation, differentiation, and migration of immune cells. For example, interleukins are a type of cytokine that is produced by one type of white blood cell and can affect the behavior of another type of white blood cell. Lysozymes, perforin, and granzymes are all molecules that are involved in killing pathogens or infected cells, but they do not directly activate other immune cells.
Therefore, the Correct Answer is C.