Question 1

Which of the following best describes the mechanism by which antihistamines reduce allergy symptoms?

Accepted Answer

They block histamine receptors, reducing the effects of histamine released by mast cells.

Question 2

A patient is diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus). Which of the following best explains the underlying cause of this disease?

Accepted Answer

The immune system generates antibodies against self-molecules such as DNA and histones.

Question 3

Which of the following is a likely consequence of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)?

Accepted Answer

Frequent and recurrent infections due to the absence of functional lymphocytes.

Question 4

Refer to the table of herpesviruses. Which virus is associated with the development of Kaposi’s sarcoma and what is its main site of latency?

Accepted Answer

Human herpesvirus 8; B cells

Question 5

A person with untreated HIV infection is most likely to die from which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Opportunistic infections and cancers that a healthy immune system would usually defeat

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why new influenza vaccines must be developed each year?

Accepted Answer

The influenza virus undergoes antigenic variation, frequently changing its surface proteins.

Question 7

Which of the following is a real-world example of antigenic variation in a pathogen?

Accepted Answer

Trypanosoma brucei periodically switches among more than 1,000 versions of its surface glycoprotein.

Question 8

A person with rheumatoid arthritis is experiencing painful inflammation in their joints. Which of the following best describes the cause?

Accepted Answer

An autoimmune attack on cartilage and bone in the joints

Question 9

Which of the following statements about the immune response to HIV is correct?

Accepted Answer

HIV persists due to its high mutation rate, which allows it to evade antibodies and cytotoxic T cells.

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why people with untreated AIDS are at increased risk for Kaposi’s sarcoma?

Accepted Answer

Their adaptive immune system is inactivated, allowing viruses that cause cancer to proliferate.

Question 11

A person with type 1 diabetes has an autoimmune disorder. Which cells are targeted by the immune system in this disease?

Accepted Answer

Beta cells of the pancreas

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the immune system?

Accepted Answer

They help modulate immune system activity and prevent response to self-antigens.

Question 13

Refer to the data table on trypanosome infection. On which day does the antibody specific to Variant B first reach its maximum value?

Accepted Answer

Day 18

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) often causes mouth sores during a cold or similar infection?

Accepted Answer

The virus is reactivated from latency in neurons when the immune system is stressed by another infection.

Question 15

Which of the following is a likely effect of a macrophage deficiency on the immune system?

Accepted Answer

Impaired innate and adaptive defenses due to reduced phagocytosis and antigen presentation.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the relationship between stress, sleep, and immune function?

Accepted Answer

Moderate exercise and adequate sleep enhance immune function, while psychological stress and sleep deprivation impair it.

Question 17

Which of the following is a real-world example of a vaccine that prevents a specific human cancer?

Accepted Answer

The hepatitis B vaccine, which helps prevent liver cancer.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why people with SCID are treated with bone marrow or stem cell transplantation?

Accepted Answer

To replace defective lymphocytes and restore adaptive immune function.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the process of latency in viruses such as herpes simplex?

Accepted Answer

The virus remains inactive in host cells, with little or no production of viral proteins or free viruses.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why ART (anti-retroviral therapy) is effective in managing HIV infection?

Accepted Answer

ART slows HIV replication, reducing viral load and the risk of developing AIDS.

Disruptions in Immune System Function and Disease

Study Guide - Practice Questions