What is the role of lymphokines in the immune response?

Lymphokines play a crucial role in the immune response primarily through the activation and regulation of immune cells. They are a subset of cytokines, which are signaling molecules that mediate and regulate immunity, inflammation, and hematopoiesis. When T cells are activated, they release lymphokines that can enhance the function of other immune cells, such as B cells, cytotoxic T cells, and macrophages.

For instance, lymphokines like interleukin-2 (IL-2) promote the proliferation and differentiation of T cells, while others might enhance the activity of macrophages or stimulate B cells to produce antibodies. This orchestrated communication among immune cells is essential for a robust and effective immune response. Thus, lymphokines are vital not only for kick-starting immune responses but also for maintaining control and ensuring that the immune system functions optimally, preventing overreactions that could lead to tissue damage or autoimmune conditions.

The other options, while related to immune functions, do not encapsulate the specific regulatory and activating roles of lymphokines as effectively as the chosen answer does. These roles are integral to the complex interplay of the immune system's components during an immune response.