Interferons, complement, lysozyme, and lactoferrin are all examples of which of the following?

• A. Cell-mediated immune responses
• B. Autoimmune disease markers
• C. Adaptive immune system antibodies
• D. Innate immune system components

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the categories of immune system components. The immune system is broadly divided into innate (nonspecific) and adaptive (specific) immunity.
2. Step 2: Define the innate immune system components. These include physical barriers, chemical factors, and certain proteins that provide immediate defense against pathogens without prior exposure.
3. Step 3: Identify the roles of the given molecules: interferons are signaling proteins that interfere with viral replication; complement proteins help in opsonization and lysis of pathogens; lysozyme is an enzyme that breaks down bacterial cell walls; lactoferrin binds iron to inhibit bacterial growth.
4. Step 4: Recognize that all these molecules act quickly and nonspecifically, characteristics of the innate immune system rather than the adaptive immune system or cell-mediated responses.
5. Step 5: Conclude that interferons, complement, lysozyme, and lactoferrin are examples of innate immune system components.