The protozoan that causes malaria is an intracellular parasite of red blood cells (RBCs). An adaptive immune response to this parasite is problematic because
A) RBCs never enter lymphoid tissue.
B) complement cannot effectively destroy RBCs.
C) the parasite damages leukocytes along with RBCs.
D) red blood cells do not produce MHC and therefore do not display the fact that they have been infected by presenting antigen.
E) RBCs normally produce cytokines necessary for adaptive immune response, which this infection prevents.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Red blood cells do not have MHC molecules, so they cannot present antigens to T cells, making it difficult for the adaptive immune system to recognize and respond to the infection.

The Protozoan That Causes Malaria Is an Intracellular Parasite of Red