Inflammation and repair: IL-8 in neutrophil chemotaxis: practice question

A Pathology 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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Pathology · Inflammation and repair: IL-8 in neutrophil chemotaxis

Sample item

A chemokine secreted by activated macrophages and endothelium binds receptors on neutrophils and attracts them along a gradient into infected tissue. Which is it?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. CXCL8 (interleukin-8)

IL-8 (CXCL8) is the principal chemokine for neutrophils. It activates integrins to promote firm adhesion and directs migration. Interferon gamma activates macrophages, IL-4 drives Th2 and IgE responses, and IL-10 is anti-inflammatory.

Option by option

  • A. Interferon gamma

    Interferon gamma is a macrophage-activating cytokine, not a neutrophil chemoattractant.

  • B. Interleukin-4

    IL-4 supports Th2 differentiation and IgE class switching.

  • C. Interleukin-10

    IL-10 dampens inflammation.

  • D. CXCL8 (interleukin-8) (correct)

    Correct. CXCL8 is the major neutrophil chemokine.

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.

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Questions about this Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is D, CXCL8 (interleukin-8). IL-8 (CXCL8) is the principal chemokine for neutrophils.

Why is "Interferon gamma" not the answer?

Interferon gamma is a macrophage-activating cytokine, not a neutrophil chemoattractant.

Why is "Interleukin-4" not the answer?

IL-4 supports Th2 differentiation and IgE class switching.

Why is "Interleukin-10" not the answer?

IL-10 dampens inflammation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Inflammation and repair: IL-8 in neutrophil chemotaxis in Pathology. It activates integrins to promote firm adhesion and directs migration. Interferon gamma activates macrophages, IL-4 drives Th2 and IgE responses, and IL-10 is anti-inflammatory.

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 Inflammation and repair: IL-8 in neutrophil chemotaxis?

Learn each disease as a bundle: cause, key histology, markers, and the clinical hallmark. Then use the flashcards and the other Pathology 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.