What is the result of antigen binding to a T cell receptor?

When an antigen binds to a T cell receptor, it triggers a critical immune response known as clonal expansion. This involves the activation of the T cell, which then proliferates and differentiates into various effector cells that can target and eliminate the pathogen or infected cells displaying that specific antigen. This process is essential for mounting an effective adaptive immune response, as it ensures that a sufficient number of T cells are available to combat the foreign invader.

Clonal expansion is a crucial mechanism that enhances the immune response rather than diminishing it or inhibiting it. The activated T cells can further produce cytokines, engage in directly killing infected cells, and stimulate other immune cells, amplifying the overall immune response. Thus, the binding of antigen to the T cell receptor is a pivotal step in initiating and sustaining the immune response, making clonal expansion the correct outcome of this interaction.