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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is primarily responsible for activating CD8$^+$ T cells?
A
Antigen-presenting cells displaying antigen with MHC class I molecules
B
Macrophages presenting antigen with MHC class II molecules
C
Helper T cells releasing interleukin-4 (IL-4)
D
B cells producing antibodies
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of CD8$^+$ T cells: These are cytotoxic T cells that play a key role in the immune response by directly killing infected or abnormal cells. They are activated when they recognize antigens presented by MHC class I molecules.
Learn about MHC class I molecules: These molecules are found on the surface of almost all nucleated cells and are responsible for presenting intracellular antigens (e.g., viral or tumor antigens) to CD8$^+$ T cells.
Identify the role of antigen-presenting cells (APCs): APCs, such as dendritic cells, are specialized cells that process and present antigens to T cells. For CD8$^+$ T cells, APCs display antigens using MHC class I molecules.
Differentiate MHC class I from MHC class II: MHC class II molecules are primarily involved in activating CD4$^+$ helper T cells, not CD8$^+$ T cells. Macrophages and other APCs use MHC class II to present extracellular antigens to helper T cells.
Eliminate incorrect options: Helper T cells releasing interleukin-4 (IL-4) and B cells producing antibodies are not directly involved in activating CD8$^+$ T cells. Focus on the correct mechanism involving APCs presenting antigens with MHC class I molecules.