Understanding Natural Killer Cells

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How do Natural Killer (NK) cells induce apoptosis in infected cells?

By expressing the fas ligand or releasing perforins and granzymes (correct)

By secreting antibodies

By activating the infected cell

By engulfing the infected cell

What is the role of the fas ligand in NK cell-induced apoptosis?

Binding to the fas molecule on the infected cell to trigger apoptotic signals (correct)

Enhancing cell survival

Blocking the immune response

Inhibiting virus replication

How do perforins contribute to NK cell-induced apoptosis?

Activating virus replication

Preventing apoptosis

Deactivating NK cells

Forming pores in the membranes of infected cells (correct)

Why are the mechanisms of NK cells particularly effective against virally infected cells?

Because they prevent virus replication within the cell Signup and view all the answers

What happens if apoptosis is induced in an infected cell before the virus completes its replication process?

No infectious virus will be released from the cell Signup and view all the answers

Which proteins released by NK cells are involved in triggering apoptosis intracellularly?

Perforins and granzymes Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) in the innate immune response?

Recognize pathogens and damaged cells Signup and view all the answers

Why is the variety of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) limited in cells of the innate immune system?

Each receptor type must be encoded by a specific gene Signup and view all the answers

How does the strategy of the innate immune system in using a limited number of receptors differ from that of the adaptive immune system?

Adaptive immune system employs a limited number of receptors Signup and view all the answers

Which feature distinguishes pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) from adaptive immune receptors?

Highly specific to particular pathogens Signup and view all the answers

What limits the variety of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) present on the cell membrane?

Finite surface area of the cell membrane Signup and view all the answers

Why do innate immune cells have a limited number of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) compared to adaptive immune cells?

Each receptor type is encoded by a specific gene Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of innate immune cells when they encounter a pathogen they recognize?

Initiate phagocytosis Signup and view all the answers

Which type of receptor is commonly found on innate immune cells for recognizing bacterial components and complement?

Pattern recognition receptors Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of chemokines in the innate immune response?

Attract cells through chemotaxis Signup and view all the answers

Which type of soluble mediator is responsible for inducing a receiving cell to change its physiology?

Cytokine Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the immune response, what does chemotaxis refer to?

Cell movement toward a chemical signal Signup and view all the answers

Why do cytokines play a crucial role in immune responses?

To induce changes in receiving cells' physiology Signup and view all the answers