Which of the Following Statements Regarding the Cell-Mediated Immune Response

Question

Which of the following statements regarding the cell-mediated immune response is TRUE?
A) Cytotoxic T lymphocytes do not require antigen presentation to become activated.
B) Cytotoxic T lymphocytes interact with antibodies that have bound antigen to identify their target.
C) Helper T lymphocytes have no role in the activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes.
D) Cytotoxic T lymphocytes kill by producing hydrogen peroxide.
E) A single cytotoxic T lymphocyte can kill many target cells.

Accepted Answer

A single cytotoxic T lymphocyte can recognize and kill many target cells. This is possible because they have the ability to produce many copies of their effector molecules, such as perforin and granzymes, which can induce target cell death. Also, option A is false, as cytotoxic T lymphocytes require antigen presentation to become activated, and option B is incorrect as cytotoxic T lymphocytes do not interact with antibodies. Option C is also incorrect as helper T lymphocytes play a critical role in the activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes through the release of cytokines. Finally, option D is incorrect as cytotoxic T lymphocytes kill using perforin and granzymes, not hydrogen peroxide.