Immunology: practice question

A Microbiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Microbiology · Immunology

Sample item

Which innate lymphocytes can kill virus-infected cells without prior antigen sensitization?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Natural killer cells

Natural killer cells recognize stressed or MHC-I-low target cells and can induce apoptosis without the prior antigen-specific sensitization required for adaptive cytotoxic T cells.

Option by option

  • A. Natural killer cells (correct)

    Correct: natural killer cells provide rapid innate cytotoxicity.

  • B. Mast cells

    Mast cells mediate allergy and parasite responses, not primary cytotoxic killing.

  • C. Erythrocytes

    Erythrocytes transport oxygen.

  • D. Plasma cells

    Plasma cells secrete antibodies rather than directly killing targets.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Microbiology questions

Questions about this Microbiology question

What is the answer to this Microbiology question?

The best answer is A, Natural killer cells. Natural killer cells recognize stressed or MHC-I-low target cells and can induce apoptosis without the prior antigen-specific sensitization required for adaptive cytotoxic T cells.

Why is "Mast cells" not the answer?

Mast cells mediate allergy and parasite responses, not primary cytotoxic killing.

Why is "Erythrocytes" not the answer?

Erythrocytes transport oxygen.

Why is "Plasma cells" not the answer?

Plasma cells secrete antibodies rather than directly killing targets.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Immunology in Microbiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: natural killer cells provide rapid innate cytotoxicity.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Immunology?

Make a one-line identity card for each organism: shape and stain, defining test, toxin, disease and drug. Then use the flashcards and the other Microbiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.