Several subsets of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) have been identified that share their patterns of cytokine production with the known subsets of T cells. The combined activity of related ILC and T cell subsets is effective in eradicating pathogenic infections because:
A) ILCs cannot kill the pathogen, whereas the antigen-specific T cells can kill the pathogen.
B) The early response of ILCs that reside at the site of infection is followed by the later more robust response of pathogen-specific T cells that migrate to the site of infection.
C) The ILCs activate B cells to induce antibody responses whereas the T cells are able to directly eliminate the pathogen.
D) The ILCs are induced to migrate from the site of infection to the draining lymph nodes where they activate the antigen-specific T cells.
E) The ILCs are activated to secrete antimicrobial compounds which cause them to lyse, releasing RNA and DNA that act on T cells to stimulate T cell cytotoxic activities.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

ILCs provide an early response to infections at the site of infection and produce cytokines that activate and recruit T cells. T cells provide the later, more robust response to the pathogen by killing infected cells and producing their own cytokines to support other immune cells. Together, the two cell types effectively eradicate the pathogen. Other choices are not accurate descriptions of ILC and T cell activities.

Several Subsets of Innate Lymphoid Cells (ILCs) Have Been Identified