Which of the following are cells of the adaptive immune system?

Cytotoxic T cells are considered cells of the adaptive immune system because they play a crucial role in targeting and eliminating infected or abnormal cells in the body. When presented with antigens on the surface of these cells, cytotoxic T cells release specialized proteins called perforins and granzymes, which induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in the target cells. This ability to specifically recognize and effectively eliminate antigens is a key characteristic of the adaptive immune system, which differentiates it from the innate immune system. Therefore, cytotoxic T cells are important effectors of the adaptive immune response.