The First Defense Cells That Interact with a Pathogen in the Body

Question

The first defense cells that interact with a pathogen in the body are
A) T cells.
B) macrophages.
C) B cells.
D) mast cells.

Accepted Answer

Macrophages are the first line of defense against pathogens in the body. They recognize and engulf the invading pathogen, presenting its antigen to other immune cells such as T and B cells to mount a specific response. T cells and B cells come into play later in the immune response. Mast cells are involved in allergic reactions and not specifically in the initial response to a pathogen.