Which of the Following Cells Engulf the Pathogen to Achieve

Question

Which of the following cells engulf the pathogen to achieve "antigen presentation"?
A) Red blood cells
B) Macrophages
C) Antibodies
D) Vaccines

Accepted Answer

Macrophages are specialized cells that engulf foreign pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Once they engulf the pathogen, they break it down into smaller pieces and present some of these pieces, or antigens, on their cell surface. This process is called antigen presentation and is crucial for the initiation of an effective immune response. Red blood cells do not have the ability to engulf pathogens or present antigens. Antibodies are molecules produced by B cells in response to antigens; they do not themselves engulf pathogens or present antigens. Vaccines are not cells, they are preparations that contain antigens to stimulate an immune response.