Final answer:
Activated macrophages are enhanced by cytokines like IL-2 and interferon-gamma to kill pathogens more effectively, including tackling intracellular bacteria and tumor cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
Activated macrophages are macrophages whose killing ability has been enhanced by cytokines, particularly IL-2 and interferon-gamma. These immune system cells become highly effective at phagocytosis when stimulated by these cytokines. Macrophages that have been activated in this way are better equipped to destroy intracellular bacteria such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the cause of tuberculosis. They are also efficient in killing tumor cells due to the enhanced capability provided by cytokine stimulation, such as IL-2 and interferon-gamma, as part of the TH1-mediated immune response.