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What is the primary role of cytotoxic T cells during cell-mediated immunity?

A.

Recognizing antigens presented by macrophages.

B.

Producing antibodies against pathogens.

C.

Directly attacking and killing infected cells.

D.

Regulating the immune response to prevent excessive inflammation.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Explanation: Cytotoxic T cells (CD8+ T cells) are the effector cells of cell-mediated immunity. Their primary role is to directly recognize and kill infected or abnormal cells, such as virus-infected cells or cancer cells. Cytotoxic T cells release cytotoxic granules containing perforin and granzymes, which induce apoptosis (cell death) in the target cells.

Incorrect choices:

a. Helper T cells, not cytotoxic T cells, recognize antigens presented by macrophages and play a crucial role in activating other immune cells.

b. B cells are responsible for producing antibodies against pathogens during the humoral immune response, not cytotoxic T cells.

d. Regulatory T cells (suppressor T cells) are involved in regulating the immune response to prevent excessive inflammation and tissue damage, not cytotoxic T cells.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Explanation: Booster doses of vaccines are recommended to reinforce and extend the duration of immunity provided by the initial vaccination. They help the immune system to maintain a higher level of protection against the disease over time.

Incorrect choices:

a. The number of antibodies in the blood is not increased by booster doses; rather, the immune system's memory is reinforced.

b. Booster doses do not decrease the risk of adverse reactions; they are given to maintain immunity.

d. Booster doses do not reduce the number of required vaccine doses; they are additional doses given to maintain immunity over time.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Explanation: Antigens are unique molecules or proteins present on the surface of cells, including pathogens. The immune system can recognize these antigens as "non-self" and mount an immune response to eliminate them while sparing the body's own cells, which display different antigens that are recognized as "self."

Incorrect choices:

b. Recognizing different blood types is relevant for blood transfusions but not a primary mechanism of distinguishing self from non-self by the immune system.

c. Monitoring hormone levels in the body is not directly related to the immune system's ability to distinguish between self and non-self.

d. Cytokines are signaling molecules released by immune cells to regulate the immune response but are not the primary means of distinguishing self from non-self.

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