Select the pathway that would lead to the activation of cytotoxic T cells.
A) B cell contacts antigen → helper T cell is activated → clonal selection occurs
B) body cell becomes infected with a virus → new viral proteins appear → class I MHC molecule-antigen complex displayed on cell surface
C) self-tolerance of immune cells → B cells contact antigen → cytokines released
D) complement is secreted → B cell contacts antigen → helper T cell activated → cytokines released
E) cytotoxic T cells → class II MHC molecule-antigen complex displayed → cytokines released → cell lysis

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The activation of cytotoxic T cells requires the presence of a viral infection and the display of virus-derived antigens on the surface of the infected cells in complex with class I MHC molecules. This signals to the T cell receptor of the cytotoxic T cell that the infected cell is abnormal and should be destroyed. Therefore, choice B (body cell becomes infected with a virus → new viral proteins appear → class I MHC molecule-antigen complex displayed on cell surface) is the correct pathway leading to the activation of cytotoxic T cells.

Select the Pathway That Would Lead to the Activation of Cytotoxic