Which of the following is the primary function of B cells during antibody-mediated immunity?
Directly attacking and killing infected cells.
Producing antibodies against pathogens.
Regulating the immune response to prevent excessive inflammation.
Recognizing antigens presented by macrophages.
The Correct Answer is B
Explanation: B cells are specialized in producing antibodies against specific antigens. When B cells encounter a pathogen or foreign substance with a matching antigen, they become activated and differentiate into plasma cells. Plasma cells then secrete large amounts of antibodies, which can recognize and neutralize the pathogen.
Incorrect choices:
a. B cells do not directly attack and kill infected cells. That role is primarily performed by cytotoxic T cells during cell-mediated immunity.
c. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are responsible for regulating the immune response to prevent excessive inflammation and maintain immune homeostasis.
d. B cells recognize antigens presented by antigen-presenting cells like macrophages, but their primary function is to produce antibodies, not to recognize antigens directly.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Explanation: The primary role of B cells during the humoral immune response is to produce antibodies against specific antigens on pathogens. When B cells encounter an antigen that matches their specific receptor, they become activated and differentiate into plasma cells, which then secrete large amounts of antibodies into the bloodstream.
Incorrect choices:
a. Antigen presentation to B cells is carried out by antigen-presenting cells, such as macrophages and dendritic cells, not by B cells themselves.
c. Directly attacking and killing infected cells is the role of cytotoxic T cells during cell-mediated immunity, not B cells during the humoral immune response.
d. The regulation of the immune response is mainly the function of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and other immune regulatory mechanisms, not the primary role of B cells.
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.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.