A new pathogenic bacterium has been discovered - it is an intracellular parasite and can prevent MHC molecules from being properly made in infected cells.Which of the following cell types would be MOST effective at fighting this pathogen?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

NK cells (Natural Killer cells) are most effective in this scenario because they can recognize and destroy cells that do not properly present MHC molecules, such as cells infected by pathogens that inhibit MHC production. CTLs (Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes) also target infected cells but rely on the presentation of antigens by MHC molecules to recognize their targets. Since this pathogen prevents MHC molecules from being properly made, CTLs would be less effective.

A New Pathogenic Bacterium Has Been Discovered - It Is