Immunopathology Practice Questions

Q: Which of the following statements regarding cytokines is FALSE?

Do not mediate specific reactions. ### Explanation **Cytokines** are low-molecular-weight, soluble proteins that act as chemical messengers in the immune system. The statement **"Do not mediate specific reactions" is FALSE** because cytokines are characterized by their high degree of specificity and potency. They exert their effects by binding to specific high-affinity receptors on target cells, triggering precise intracellular signaling pathways. #### Why the other options are TRUE: * **Mediators of inflammation (Option A):** Cytokines like TNF, IL-1, and IL-6 are the primary drivers of the acute inflammatory response, systemic effects (fever), and the recruitment of leukocytes to injury sites [1]. * **Produced by macrophages (Option B):** While many cells produce cytokines, activated macrophages are a major source (along with T-lymphocytes, dendritic cells, and endothelial cells) [1]. Macrophages specifically secrete "monokines" like IL-12 and TNF-α. * **Are soluble proteins (Option C):** Cytokines are secreted, soluble polypeptides that act in an autocrine, paracrine, or endocrine fashion to regulate immune responses [1]. #### High-Yield NEET-PG Clinical Pearls: 1. **Pleiotropy:** One cytokine can act on multiple cell types (e.g., IL-4 acts on B-cells, T-cells, and mast cells). 2. **Redundancy:** Multiple cytokines can carry out the same function (e.g., IL-1 and TNF both induce fever) [1]. 3. **Cytokine Storm:** An uncontrolled release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α), classically seen in severe COVID-19 or Sepsis. 4. **Key Association:** **IL-8** is the major chemotactic factor for **neutrophils**. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Inflammation and Repair, pp. 93-99.

Question 1

A skin biopsy study of a Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patient, using C-labeled human IgG antiserum, shows deposition of irregular particles at the dermoepidermal junction. What does this finding indicate?

Accepted Answer

Immune complex deposits

Answer

Anti-nuclear antibody

Answer

Anti-collagen antibody

Answer

Anti-epithelial antibody

Question 2

Acute cellular rejection following solid organ transplantation typically occurs within which timeframe?

Accepted Answer

Between 5 to 30 days of transplantation

Answer

Within minutes to hours of transplantation

Answer

Within 48 hours of transplantation

Answer

Beyond 30 days after transplantation

Question 3

Which antibody is commonly seen in antiphospholipid syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Anticardiolipin

Answer

Anti-b2GPI

Answer

ANA

Answer

Anti-Sm

Question 4

Which of the following is not an example of immune complex disease?

Accepted Answer

Contact dermatitis

Answer

Systemic lupus erythematosus

Answer

Arthus reaction

Answer

Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis

Question 5

A 40-year-old female presented with hemoptysis and hematuria. Lab studies show the presence of anti-basement membrane antibodies, and the patient's symptoms improved with plasmapheresis. Which of the following diseases is of the same hypersensitivity category as this disease?

Accepted Answer

Myasthenia gravis

Answer

Systemic lupus erythematosus

Answer

Seasonal allergies

Answer

Poison ivy rash

Question 6

MHC Class I molecules are primarily involved in the presentation of which type of antigens?

Accepted Answer

Endogenous antigens

Answer

Exogenous antigens

Answer

Self antigens not presented to T cells

Answer

Bacterial antigens presented to B cells

Question 7

Nude mice are used in genetics research due to which of the following properties?

Accepted Answer

Xenografts can be sustained for weeks

Answer

Absence of thymus

Answer

Severe combined immunodeficiency mice are the same as nude mice

Answer

They can generate mature T lymphocytes

Question 8

Which of the following conditions is characterized by the presence of LE cells?

Accepted Answer

Systemic lupus erythematosus

Answer

Lupus vulgaris

Answer

Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer

Answer

Medullary carcinoma of the thyroid

Question 9

Which of the following statements accurately describes cytokines?

Accepted Answer

Includes interleukins

Answer

Produced only in sepsis

Answer

Are simple proteins

Answer

Have highly specific action

Question 10

Which of the following statements regarding cytokines is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

Do not mediate specific reactions

Answer

Mediators of inflammation

Answer

Produced by macrophages

Answer

Are soluble proteins

Immunopathology — MCQs

Immunopathology — MCQs

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