21. The Immune System

The most important function of peripheral tolerance is to:

Give a function for each of the following:

(f) Stromal cells

(g) Epithelial reticular cells

(h) Interferons

(i) Pyrogens

(j) T cells

(k) B cells

When naïve B cells are activated, they differentiate into:

a. Plasma cells

b. Memory cells

c. Both a and b

d. None of the above

Name several cytokines and describe their role in the immune response.

On which type(s) of cells are class I MHC molecules located?

a. Antigen-presenting cells only

b. B cells only

c. All nucleated body cells

d. Antigen-presenting cells and B cells

Class I MHC molecules display_____antigens and activate_____cells. Class II MHC molecules display _____antigens and activate_____cells.

The cell type most often invaded by HIV is a(n)

a. Eosinophil

b. Cytotoxic T cell

c. Natural killer cell

d. Helper T cell

e. B cell.

The cell type most often invaded by HIV is a(n):

a. Eosinophil

b. Cytotoxic T cell

c. Natural killer cell

d. Helper T cell

e. B cell

Caroline, a pregnant 29-year-old, has been HIV-positive for at least 10 years, dating back to when she was homeless and injecting heroin. While she currently has no symptoms of AIDS, she is taking several medications and is worried about the possibility that her baby might be infected. How do you think the HIV virus might be transferred from a mother to her offspring? Which of Caroline’s cells are infected by the virus, and why is the viral attack on these cells so devastating? Why is Caroline taking medication even though she has no symptoms?

Which of the following is/are examples of autoimmune disease?

a. Type 1 diabetes

b. Multiple sclerosis

c. Graves’ disease

d. Rheumatoid arthritis

Skin tests are used to determine if a person 

(a) Has an active infection

(b) Has been exposed to a particular antigen

(c) Carries a particular antigen

(d) Has measles

(e) Can produce antibodies

While walking along the street, you and your friend see an elderly woman whose left arm appears to be swollen to several times its normal size. Your friend wonders aloud what might be its cause. You say that it may be likely that the woman had a radical mastectomy (the removal of a breast because of cancer). Explain the rationale behind your answer.