A newborn who is accidentally given a drug that destroys the thymus would most likely
A) lack class I MHC molecules on cell surfaces.
B) lack humoral immunity.
C) be unable to genetically rearrange antigen receptors.
D) be unable to differentiate and mature T cells.
E) have a reduced number of B cells and be unable to form antibodies.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The thymus is responsible for the differentiation and maturation of T cells. If it is destroyed, the newborn would be unable to develop functional T cells, which play a crucial role in cell-mediated immunity. The other options, such as lacking class I MHC molecules or being unable to genetically rearrange antigen receptors, are also related to T cell function, but they are not the primary consequences of thymus destruction.

A Newborn Who Is Accidentally Given a Drug That Destroys