Which of the following cells can induce viral-infected cells to undergo apoptosis?

• A. Neutrophils.
• B. NK cells.
• C. Eosinophils.
• D. B cells.
• E. Basophils.
• F. Red blood cells.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of Natural Killer (NK) cells in the immune system. NK cells are a type of lymphocyte that play a crucial role in the innate immune response by targeting and destroying cells that are infected by viruses or have become cancerous.
2. Learn about apoptosis, which is a form of programmed cell death. NK cells can induce apoptosis in infected or abnormal cells by releasing cytotoxic granules that contain perforin and granzymes.
3. Differentiate NK cells from other immune cells listed in the options. Neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, and red blood cells do not typically induce apoptosis in viral-infected cells. B cells are primarily involved in antibody production.
4. Recognize that NK cells are unique in their ability to recognize stressed cells in the absence of antibodies and MHC, allowing them to respond to a wide range of infections and tumor cells.
5. Conclude that NK cells are the correct answer because they are specifically equipped to induce apoptosis in viral-infected cells, unlike the other cell types listed.