to mohammed92120 - okt3

[ArchivalUser]

Did u try nms immuno qbank, it is not too bad for learning by solving MCQs.

If you need it,let me know and I will upload for u IA.

[ArchivalUser]

hi OKT3...no i never use NMS...may be i have to try it...i find immuno too difficult to understand/ memorize concepts etc etc...first aid is good but i think that it s not enough...i ll download it as soon as possible OKT3...many thanks for your help Bro... wish you all the best...and ramadane kariime...

[ArchivalUser]

File Name: Immunology.zip
Size: 2MB |


Download Link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/p89h5p

Ramadan Kariime

[ArchivalUser]

that's cool OKT3...thanks a lot bro...

[ArchivalUser]

urw Bro, have more Immuno for practice.

pray for me, May God Make it easy for All of us. ameen.














A patient with rheumatoid arthritis presents to her physician and mentions that after many years without teeth
problems, she has recently developed seven caries. This is a clue to her clinician that she should be evaluated
for which of the following diseases?


A. Oral squamous cell carcinoma

B. Polyarteritis nodosa

C. Sjögren's syndrome

D. Systemic lupus erythematosus

E. Thyrotoxicosis


Explanation:

The correct answer is C. Rheumatoid arthritis can coexist with a variety of autoimmune diseases (including
those listed in the answers), but is most frequently associated with Sjögren's syndrome. Sjögren's syndrome is
due to autoimmune involvement with subsequent scarring of the salivary and lacrimal glands, leading to dry
eyes and dry mouth. Secondary effects include parotid gland enlargement, dental caries, and recurrent
tracheobronchitis.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth (choice A) is not associated with dryness of the mouth.

Polyarteritis nodosa (choice B) is a systemic necrotizing vasculitis. Patients present with low-grade fever,
weakness, and weight loss. They may also have abdominal pain, hematuria, renal failure, hypertension, and
leukocytosis.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (choice D) is an autoimmune disease characterized by vasculitis (which may
produce a variety of symptoms depending on the site of the lesion), rash, renal disease, hemolytic anemia, and
neurologic disturbances.

Thyrotoxicosis (choice E) produces insomnia, weight loss, tremors, heat intolerance, excessive sweating, and
frequent bowel movements or diarrhea.



A 32-year-old, blood type A positive male receives a kidney transplant from a blood type B positive female donor
with whom he had a 6-antigen HLA match. Once the kidney is anastomosed to the man's vasculature, the
transplant team immediately begins to observe swelling and interstitial hemorrhage. After the surgery, the patient
developed fever and leukocytosis and produced no urine. Which of the following is the most likely explanation?


A. Acute rejection due to antibody-mediated immunity

B. Acute rejection due to cell-mediated immunity

C. Chronic rejection due to cell-mediated immunity to minor HLA antigens

D. Hyperacute rejection due to lymphocyte and macrophage infiltration

E. Hyperacute rejection due to preformed ABO blood group antibodies


Explanation:

The correct answer is E. The patient is suffering from hyperacute rejection due to the preformed anti-B ABO
blood group antibody found in all type A positive individuals. Hyperacute rejection occurs within minutes to a few
hours of the time of transplantation, and is due to the destruction of the transplanted tissue by preformed
antibodies reacting with antigens found on the transplanted tissue that activate complement and destroy the
target tissue. Preformed antibodies can also be due to presensitization to a previous graft, blood transfusion, or
pregnancy.

Acute rejection due to antibody-mediated immunity (choice A) is incorrect because this patient suffered from
hyperacute rejection (immediate) occurring within minutes to hours, rather than days.

Acute rejection due to cell-mediated immunity (choice B) will not occur until several days or a week following
transplantation. Acute rejection is due to type II and type IV reactions.

Chronic rejection, due to the presence of cell-mediated immunity to minor HLA antigens (choice C), occurs in
allograft transplantation months to even years after the transplant. Chronic rejection is generally caused by
both humoral and cell-mediated immunity.

An accelerated acute rejection, occurring in 3-5 days, can be caused by tissue infiltration and destruction by
presensitized T lymphocytes and macrophages (choice D) and/or antibody-dependent, cell-mediated
cytotoxicity (ADCC). Note that this is not a hyperacute reaction.



A 42-year-old auto mechanic has been diagnosed with end-stage renal disease. His identical twin brother has the
same HLA alleles at all loci, and volunteers to donate a kidney to his brother. Which of the following terms
correctly describes the proposed organ transplant?


A. Allograft

B. Autograft

C. Heterograft

D. Syngeneic graft

E. Xenograft


Explanation:

The correct answer is D. A syngeneic graft is the transfer of tissue between genetically identical individuals
(identical twins). This type of graft is usually successful.

An allograft (choice A), or homograft, is a graft between genetically different members of the same species.
This type of graft would be between two different humans and would most likely be rejected unless the recipient
is given immunosuppressive drugs.

An autograft (choice B) is a transfer of an individual's own tissue to his or her own body and is nearly always
successful.

A heterograft (choice C) is the old term for a xenograft. This transfer of tissues between different species is not
generally successful.

A xenograft (choice E) is a transfer of tissue between different species and is always rejected except for a few
exceptions (e.g., pig heart valve).



Loss of which of the following classes of molecules on the surface of a tumor cell target would result in loss of
susceptibility to killing by host immune cells?


A. CD3

B. CD4

C. CD8

D. MHC class I

E. MHC class II


Explanation:

The correct answer is D. After the MHC class I molecule has moved to the surface of the tumor cell, peptide
fragments from the tumor are presented in a groove of the class I molecule. The peptide fragments are
presented to cytotoxic CD8 T cells, which recognize the MHC class I molecules on the cell surface and kill the
tumor cell. Loss of this molecule would therefore prevent the tumor cell from being killed.

The CD3 molecule (choice A) is a marker on all T cells. It is involved in signal transduction, but not antigen
recognition. This molecule would not be on the surface of tumor cells.

The CD4 molecule (choice B) is not on the surface of a tumor cell, but it is on the surface of a CD4+ T helper
lymphocyte.

The CD8 molecule (choice C) is not on the surface of a tumor cell, but it is on the surface of a CD8+ cytotoxic T
lymphocyte.

MHC class II antigens (choice E) are not involved in killing of tumor cell targets. They present peptide fragments
(derived from intracellular killing of extracellular organisms by macrophages) to CD4 T lymphocytes.



A 44-year-old white female presents with severe Raynaud's phenomenon, dysphagia, sclerodactyly, and facial
and palmar telangiectasias. Which of the following autoantibodies is most likely to be present in this patient?


A. Anti-centromere antibody

B. Anti-histone antibody

C. Anti-SS-A

D. Anti-SS-B

E. Rheumatoid factor


Explanation:

The correct answer is A. The symptoms described in the question are classic for CREST syndrome. CREST
syndrome is the combination of calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, and
telangiectasia. Anti-centromere antibodies are reported in a high percentage of patients with CREST, but in a
small percentage of pure scleroderma patients.

Anti-histone antibody (choice B) is a marker for drug-induced lupus erythematosus.

Anti-SS-A (choice C) is a marker for Sjögren's syndrome, characterized by dry eyes and dry mouth.

Anti-SS-B (choice D) is an autoantibody directed against ribonucleoproteins, and is a marker for Sjögren's
syndrome.

Rheumatoid factor (choice E) is generally an IgM autoantibody directed against the Fc portion of IgG. RF is
positive in 80% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and may also be found in low titers in patients with chronic
infections, other autoimmune diseases such as SLE and Sjögren's syndrome, or chronic pulmonary, hepatic, or
renal diseases.



Which of the following is a major interleukin produced by CD4+ T helper 1 (TH1) lymphocytes?


A. IL-1

B. IL-2

C. IL-4

D. IL-6

E. IL-8


Explanation:

The correct answer is B. IL-2 produced by TH1 cells stimulates natural killer (NK) cells and CD8+ T cytotoxic
lymphocytes and combines with IL-2 receptors on the TH1 cells to cause "self-stimulation". IL-2 is also involved
in downregulating CD4+ T helper 2 lymphocytes.

IL-1 (choice A) is derived from macrophages and is a major inflammatory molecule.

IL-4 (choice C) is derived from CD4 + T helper 2 cells. It acts to downregulate CD4 + TH1 cells and allows class
switching to IgE.

IL-6 (choice D) is derived from macrophages. This molecule stimulates acute phase protein production by the
liver, as well as the production of other opsonizing molecules.

IL-8 (choice E) is derived from macrophages and is a major chemotactic molecule for neutrophils.



Maximal ventricular Na+ channel conductance occurs during which phase of the ECG?


A. P wave

B. QRS interval

C. ST interval

D. T wave

E. U wave


Explanation:

The correct answer is B. Phase 0 of the cardiac muscle action potential (AP) corresponds to the opening of
voltage-dependent sodium channels, causing a transient but large increase in sodium conductance during
ventricular depolarization. The shape of the QRS complex of the ECG is determined by the spread of the
combined phase 0 (depolarization) of all the ventricular muscle of the heart.

The P wave (choice A) corresponds to atrial depolarization.

The ST interval (choice C) represents the time interval during which all ventricular cells are in phase 2 of their
AP. Phase 2 is dominated by a high, prolonged calcium conductance through slow channels. The length of the
ST interval corresponds closely to the AP duration in ventricular muscle.

The T wave (choice D) corresponds to ventricular repolarization.

The U wave (choice E) is found only occasionally in ECGs and is presumed to be due to the repolarization of
papillary muscle.



A 28-year-old male is brought into court for non-payment of child support. His ex-wife insists that he is the father
of her child, although he denies it. The court suggests before hearing the paternity case that various genetic
tests, including one for genetic immunoglobulin identification, be performed on the male, female, and child. Which
immunoglobulin marker would be helpful in this paternity case?


A. Allotypes

B. Idiotypes

C. IgA 2

D. IgM

E. Isotypes


Explanation:

The correct answer is A. There are genetic allotypic markers found on different immunoglobulin molecules. The
best examples are kappa light chains and IgG 1, IgG 2, and IgG 3 heavy chains. These are distinctive markers
that when present, can be helpful in paternity cases. If this male had these markers and the child had the same
markers, then this would be presumptive evidence that the man was the father of the child. There would be
other genetic tests performed in this case, because if the mother and father happened to have the same
markers, then they could have come from the mother.

Idiotypes (choice B) are the immunoglobulins that have been produced in response to specific antigens
(organisms) to which we have been exposed. There would probably very different idiotypes in the male, female,
and child. Many of these would also be the same because of the different vaccines all would have received.

The IgA 2 (choice C) is a subclass of the immunoglobulin isotype class IgA. We all have this molecule in our
serum, therefore it would not aid in paternity determination.

IgM (choice D) is one of the major isotypes of immunoglobulins that we all have in our serum. It is the first
immunoglobulin formed in response to initial exposure to an organism. This is the immunoglobulin present in
the membranes of immature and mature B cells. IgM would not be helpful for determination of paternity in this
case.

The isotypes (choice E) of immunoglobulin are the 5 major classes of immunoglobulin: IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, and
IgE. We all have these immunoglobulins in our serum and these would not be helpful for this paternity case.



Antigens processed by the exogenous antigen presentation pathway are presented in association with which of
following?


A. Fc receptors

B. IgG heavy chains

C. MHC class I molecules

D. MHC class II molecules

E. T cell receptor (TCR)


Explanation:

The correct answer is D. When pathogenic organisms are phagocytized and degraded in the exogenous
antigen presentation pathway, the antigenic molecules are presented on the surface of the antigen-presenting
cell by MHC class II molecules to a CD4+ T lymphocyte with a specific TCR for the specific antigenic epitope.

The Fc (choice A) portion of an antibody molecule is the part of the immunoglobulin that attaches to the Fc
receptors on phagocytic cell surfaces. When a Fab portion of the antibody is attached to the pathogen and the
Fc attaches to the phagocytic cell surface, the phagocyte can destroy the pathogen more efficiently.

The IgG molecule (choice B) is an immunoglobulin that reacts with the antigen after it has been destroyed and
presented to the T cell. The IgG immunoglobulin is never involved in antigen presentation.

In the endogenous antigen presentation pathway (eg, a virus infecting a cell), the cell would display epitopes
from the virus in association with class I molecules (choice C) to the CD8+ cytotoxic T cell.

The TCR (choice E) is the area of the mature T cell that reacts with the antigen epitope that is presented by the
antigen-presenting cell.



Loss of which of the following classes of molecules on the surface of a tumor cell target would result in loss of
susceptibility to killing by host immune cells?


A. CD3

B. CD4

C. CD8

D. MHC class I

E. MHC class II


Explanation:

The correct answer is D. After the MHC class I molecule has moved to the surface of the tumor cell, peptide
fragments from the tumor are presented in a groove of the class I molecule. The peptide fragments are
presented to cytotoxic CD8 T cells, which recognize the MHC class I molecules on the cell surface and kill the
tumor cell. Loss of this molecule would therefore prevent the tumor cell from being killed.

The CD3 molecule (choice A) is a marker on all T cells. It is involved in signal transduction, but not antigen
recognition. This molecule would not be on the surface of tumor cells.

The CD4 molecule (choice B) is not on the surface of a tumor cell, but it is on the surface of a CD4+ T helper
lymphocyte.

The CD8 molecule (choice C) is not on the surface of a tumor cell, but it is on the surface of a CD8+ cytotoxic T
lymphocyte.

MHC class II antigens (choice E) are not involved in killing of tumor cell targets. They present peptide fragments
(derived from intracellular killing of extracellular organisms by macrophages) to CD4 T lymphocytes.



A college student sitting in the stands at a football game suddenly begins breathing hard and complains to his
friends of tightness in his chest. Minutes later, he is sweating profusely and faints. It is discovered that he had
been stung by a bee. Paramedics arrive, assess the situation, then successfully treat the young man. Which one
of the following drugs was most likely initially administered in this case?


A. Diphenhydramine

B. Blocking antibody

C. Cromolyn sodium

D. Epinephrine

E. Theophylline


Explanation:

The correct answer is D. This college student is experiencing a major anaphylactic reaction (type I
hypersensitivity reaction) with associated bronchoconstriction and shock. Epinephrine is the treatment of choice
for anaphylaxis. It will relax the smooth muscle of the respiratory tract and stimulate the heart to restore cardiac
output. Epinephrine also prevents mast cell degranulation by increasing cyclic AMP levels.

Diphenhydramine (choice A), an H1 histamine receptor antagonist, is a good drug for mild allergic rhinitis, but
would be ineffective in anaphylaxis.

Blocking antibody (choice B) is IgG antibody that has been produced by the patient in response to an allergen
over a long period of stimulation (e.g., during desensitization by an allergist). This procedure is excellent for
several different types of allergens, but not for a systemic material such as bee venom.

Cromolyn sodium (choice C) stabilizes mast cell membranes, thereby inhibiting degranulation and histamine
release. This is an excellent drug if used to prevent an acute reaction to a known allergen, but it would not be
used for an anaphylactic reaction.

Theophylline (choice E) inhibits phosphodiesterase, increasing cyclic AMP levels, and thereby inhibiting mast
cell degranulation. This is an excellent drug for asthma and for long term allergy treatment especially in
children, but would not be used for anaphylaxis.



A traveler to a foreign country develops acute lymphatic filariasis four months after his return to the United States.
His symptoms include scrotal inflammation, itching, and localized scrotal swelling and tenderness of the inguinal
lymph nodes. Which of the following immune mechanisms does the body employ against the live filarial worms ?


A. Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity

B. Anti-receptor antibodies

C. Arthus reaction

D. Complement-mediated reactions

E. Deposition of circulating antigen-antibody complexes


Explanation:

The correct answer is A. Filarial parasites have a complex life cycle beginning with transmission by mosquitoes
or other arthropods. The offspring of adults (microfilariae) either circulate in the blood or migrate through the
skin, often inhabiting lymphatics. Microfilariae are ingested by the arthropod vector and develop over 1 to 2
weeks into new infective larvae. The adult worms elicit an inflammatory reaction in the lymphatics, eventually
leading to lymphatic obstruction and edema. The body reacts to large tissue parasites, such as filarial worms, by
coating them with a thin layer of IgE molecules, which trigger eosinophil-mediated cytotoxicity (a form of Type II
hypersensitivity) and release of vasoactive and spasmogenic substances from mast cells and basophils (local
anaphylaxis, a form of Type I hypersensitivity).

Other forms of Type II hypersensitivity include complement-mediated reactions (choice D, e.g., the lysis of blood
cells seen in transfusion reactions) and anti-receptor antibodies (choice B, e.g., muscle weakness in myasthenia
gravis).

Type III hypersensitivities usually take the form of vasculitis secondary to deposition of circulating
antigen-antibody complexes (choice E); the Arthus reaction (choice C) is a specific variant of these reactions in
which local vasculitis induces tissue necrosis, often in the skin.



A 7-month-old child is hospitalized for a yeast infection that does not respond to therapy. The patient has a
history of multiple, acute pyogenic infections. Physical examination reveals that the spleen and lymph nodes are
not palpable. A differential WBC count shows 95% neutrophils, 1% lymphocytes, and 4% monocytes. A bone
marrow biopsy contains no plasma cells or lymphocytes. A chest x-ray reveals the absence of a thymic shadow.
Tonsils are absent. These findings are most consistent with


A. Bloom's syndrome

B. chronic granulomatous disease

C. severe combined immunodeficiency

D. Waldenström's macroglobulinemia

E. Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome


Explanation:

The correct answer is C. Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is associated with deficiencies in both B
and T cells due to a defect in differentiation of an early stem cell. Over 50% of the cases are caused by a gene
defect on the X chromosome, resulting in a defective IL-2 receptor. The disease may exhibit a sex-linked or an
autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. The autosomal recessive variant is characterized by a deficiency of
adenosine deaminase, which results in accumulation of metabolites that are toxic to both B and T stem cells in
the bone marrow. Children usually die within the first 2 years of life with severe infections unless they receive
bone marrow transplants.

Bloom's syndrome (choice A) is an autosomal recessive disorder included in the chromosomal instability group
of syndromes. It is associated with small body size, immunodeficiency, light-sensitive facial erythema, and a
major predisposition to cancer.

Chronic granulomatous disease (choice B) is caused by a deficiency of NADPH oxidase in neutrophils, resulting
in loss of the first step of the myeloperoxidase system, and an absence of the respiratory burst. Patients are
susceptible to staphylococcal infections and granulomatous infections.

Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (choice D) is a monoclonal gammopathy characterized by high serum levels
of IgM and hyperviscosity complications.

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (choice E) is an immunodeficiency syndrome characterized by thrombocytopenia,
eczema, and recurrent sinopulmonary infections. The patient has low levels of IgM and increased levels of IgG,
IgA, and IgE.



A 27-year-old white male presents with a 3-week history of several swollen and painful toes and knees. He has a
past history of conjunctivitis. He also describes some low back stiffness that is more severe in the morning. Which
of the following is the most likely diagnosis?


A. Gout

B. Lyme disease

C. Reiter's syndrome

D. Rheumatoid arthritis

E. Septic arthritis


Explanation:

The correct answer is C. This is a case of Reiter's syndrome. Patients typically present with the acute onset of
arthritis (usually asymmetric and additive), with involvement of new joints occurring over a period of a few days
to 2 weeks. Joints of the lower extremities are the most commonly involved, but wrists and fingers can also be
affected. Dactylitis (sausage digit), a diffuse swelling of a solitary finger or toe, is a distinctive feature of Reiter's
arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Tendonitis and fasciitis are common. Spinal pain and low back pain are common.
Conjunctivitis, urethritis, diarrhea, and skin lesions are also associated with Reiter's syndrome. Up to 75% of
patients are HLA-B27 positive. Microorganisms which can trigger Reiter's syndrome include Shigella spp.,
Salmonella spp., Yersinia spp., Campylobacter jejuni, and Chlamydia trachomatis. Most patients are younger
males.

Gout (choice A) usually presents as an explosive attack of acute, very painful, monarticular inflammatory
arthritis. Hyperuricemia is the cardinal feature and prerequisite for gout. The first metatarsophalangeal joint is
involved in over 50% of first attacks.

Lyme disease (choice B), caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, presents with a red macule or papule at the site of the
tick bite. This lesion, called erythema chronicum migrans, slowly expands to form a large annular lesion with a
red border and central clearing. The lesion is warm, but usually not painful. The patient also has severe
headache, stiff neck, chills, arthralgias, and profound malaise and fatigue. Untreated infection is associated with
development of arthritis. The large joints (e.g., knees) are usually involved with the arthritis lasting for weeks to
months.

Rheumatoid arthritis (choice D) begins insidiously with fatigue, anorexia, generalized weakness, and vague
musculoskeletal symptoms leading up to the appearance of synovitis. Pain in the affected joints, aggravated by
movement, is the most common manifestation of established rheumatoid arthritis. Generalized stiffness is
frequent and is usually greatest after periods of inactivity. Morning stiffness of greater than 1 hour in duration is
very characteristic. Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in females. The metacarpophalangeal and proximal
interphalangeal joints of the hands are characteristically involved.

Septic arthritis (choice E) is caused by a variety of microorganisms, including Neisseria gonorrhoeae and
Staphylococcus aureus. Hematogenous spread is the most common route in all age groups. 90% of patients
present with involvement of a single joint, usually the knee. The usual presentation is moderate-to-severe pain,
effusion, muscle spasm, and decreased range of motion. Peripheral leukocytosis and a left shift are common.
Disseminated gonococcal infections present as fever, chills, rash, and articular symptoms. Papules progressing
to hemorrhagic pustules develop on the trunk and extensor surfaces of the distal extremities. Migratory arthritis
and tenosynovitis of multiple joints is common.



A researcher develops a specific antibody to the complement component C3b. Assume that intravenous
administration of the antibody prevents the biological effects of C3b. Administration of the antibody would be
expected to interfere with which of the following biological functions?


A. Decreased appetite

B. Fever

C. Increased collagen synthesis by fibroblasts

D. Increased leukocyte adherence to endothelium

E. Opsonization to facilitate phagocytosis


Explanation:

The correct answer is E. C3b acts as an opsonin, along with IgG, to facilitate phagocytosis. None of the other
functions listed in the answer choices is attributable to C3b. Instead, all of the other answer choices are
functions of the cytokines interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Tumor necrosis factor is
produced by macrophages and activated T-cells, while many different cell types (including macrophages)
produce IL-1.

Decreased appetite (choice A) is typical during an acute illness (such responses are called acute phase
reactions). Other acute phase reactions include fever (choice B), increased sleep, shock, leukocytosis, and
increased serum acute phase proteins.

Fibroblasts proliferate and increase their synthesis of collagen (choice C), collagenase, protease, and
prostaglandin E in response to IL-1 and TNF.

Effects of IL-1 and TNF on endothelium include increased synthesis of mediators (prostaglandins, IL-1, IL- 8,
platelet-derived growth factor), increased leukocyte adherence (choice D), and increased procoagulant activity
with decreased anticoagulant activity.



A 22-year-old female comes to the sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic for her first visit. She tells the nurse
practitioner that she has had four different sexual partners in the last six months and only one of them used a
condom. She also admits that she used IV drugs on several occasions two years ago. She notes fever, weight
loss, lack of appetite, and periodic difficulty breathing over the past few months. She has an HIV test performed,
which is positive. The physician decides to do a confirmatory test for HIV. Which one of the following tests would
the physician order?


A. ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay)

B. FACS ( Fluorescence activated cell sorting)

C. RAST (Radioallergosorbent Test)

D. RID (Radial immunodiffusion)

E. Western blot


Explanation:

The correct answer is E. The Western blot is the most appropriate test for confirmation of HIV infection. It
identifies several different antibodies against HIV (anti- gp120, -gp41, -p24, and -p17).

The initial HIV test this patient had was most likely an ELISA. The ELISA (choice A) can be used to detect p24
antibody in the patient, but is not as specific as the Western blot.

Fluorescence activated cell sorting (choice B) is a technique used to separate and count specific numbers and
types of cells in a sample. An example of this would be to count the number of B cells and T cells in a specific
blood sample.

RAST testing (choice C) is used to determine the level of specific IgE present in a patient that reacts with a
specific allergen that has been applied to a disk or glass bead.

Radial immunodiffusion (choice D) is an excellent test used for quantitation of immunoglobulin levels in patients.
This is used to determine the IgG, IgM and IgA levels in patient's serum. This test cannot be used to measure
levels of IgD or IgE because these two immunoglobulins are at such low levels a more sensitive test such as RIA
(radioimmunoassay) or EIA (enzyme-linked immunoassay) must be used.



A 38-year-old woman complains of cold, painful fingertips, as well as difficulty swallowing and indigestion. Physical
examination is remarkable for a thickened, shiny epidermis over the entire body, with restriction of movement of
the extremities, particularly the fingers, which appear claw-like. Which of the following autoantibodies is likely to be
found in this patient's serum?


A. Anti-DNA topoisomerase I (anti-Scl-70)

B. Anti-double-stranded DNA (ds DNA)

C. Anti-IgG

D. Anti-Sm

E. Anti-SS-A


Explanation:

The correct answer is A. This patient is suffering from systemic sclerosis, also called scleroderma. Antibodies to
topoisomerase I (anti-Scl-70) occur in up to 70% of patients with diffuse systemic sclerosis, but only rarely in
other disorders. Systemic sclerosis is characterized initially by excessive fibrosis and edema of the skin,
especially the hands and fingers, producing sclerodactyly (characteristic changes in the fingers, which resemble
claws). Raynaud's phenomenon is common. The diffuse type of systemic sclerosis generally spreads to include
visceral organs such as the esophagus (producing dysphagia), the lungs (producing pulmonary fibrosis), the
heart (leading to heart failure or arrhythmia), and the kidneys (renal failure causes 50% of scleroderma deaths).
Females are affected more than males (3:1 ratio). A more restricted variant of systemic sclerosis with a
somewhat more benign course is CREST syndrome (Calcinosis, Raynaud's syndrome, Esophageal dysmotility,
Sclerodactyly, and Telangiectasia), characterized by the presence of anti-centromere antibodies (although 10%
of CREST patients will have anti-topoisomerase antibody as well).

Anti-ds DNA (choice B) is characteristic of systemic lupus erythematosus, but is not common in patients with
systemic sclerosis.

Rheumatoid factor is an autoantibody directed against IgG (choice C). It is found in patients with rheumatoid
arthritis.

Anti-Sm (Smith antigen; choice D) is also characteristic of SLE rather than systemic sclerosis.

Anti-SS-A (choice E) is typically seen in Sjögren's syndrome (although it may also be seen in SLE).


A 4-year-old boy presents to the emergency room with muscle spasms. His past medical history is significant for
recurrent infections and neonatal seizures. Evaluation of his serum electrolytes reveals hypocalcemia. This
patient would be most susceptible to which of the following diseases?


A. Chickenpox

B. Diphtheria

C. Gas gangrene

D. Gonorrhea

E. Tetanus


Explanation:

The correct answer is A. This boy has DiGeorge's syndrome, as evidenced by his tetany (muscle spasms) due
to hypocalcemia and his history of recurrent infections and neonatal seizures. The syndrome occurs because
of an embryonic failure in the development of the third and fourth pharyngeal pouches. Patients have both
hypoplastic parathyroids (producing hypocalcemia) and thymuses (producing T-cell deficiency and recurrent
infections). Since cell-mediated immunity (which depends on T cells) is important in defense against infections
caused by intracellular pathogens (such as viruses), patients with DiGeorge's are particularly susceptible to
viral infections, such as chickenpox (varicella). They also have trouble with fungal pathogens (e.g., Candida)
and mycobacteria.

Note that the USMLE might ask you other questions about DiGeorge's syndrome, so you should be able to
recognize other clues to the diagnosis, including: congenital cardiac defects, esophageal atresia, bifid uvula,
short philtrum, hypertelorism, antimongoloid palpebral slant, mandibular hypoplasia, and low-set ears.

Diphtheria (choice B) is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which produces disease by the elaboration of
a very potent exotoxin. Therefore, humoral immunity (antitoxin), which is not usually compromised in DiGeorge's
patients, is essential for defense against the organism. (Note that the C. diphtheriae exotoxin acts by causing
the ADP-ribosylation of elongation factor-2 of eukaryotic cells, thereby inhibiting protein synthesis). The
disease can be avoided by immunization with diphtheria toxoid.

Gas gangrene (choice C) is caused by Clostridium perfringens, which produces a potent alpha toxin that injures
cell membranes. Therefore, humoral immunity would again play a predominant role in defense against this
organism. Note that the disease occurs in wounds and would not be expected in an uninjured 4-year-old boy.

Gonorrhea (choice D) is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae and would not be expected in a 4-year-old boy
unless there was evidence of sexual abuse. Virulence factors of this organism include pili, cell wall endotoxin
and outer membrane, and secretory IgA protease. Antibody responses, neutrophils, and complement are of
prime importance in defense against gonococcal infections.

Tetanus (choice E) is caused by Clostridium tetani and serves as a tricky distracter, as you might have quickly
associated the patient's muscle spasms with this answer choice. (This is why it is important to read the question
stem carefully before prematurely jumping to the responses). C. tetani, which gains entry through deep
wounds, produces tetanus toxin (exotoxin) and can be prevented by immunization with tetanus toxoid.


A 30-year-old woman presents to a physician with a prominent rash over her nose and cheeks. She also has
complaints of fever, malaise, and muscle soreness of several months duration. Serologic studies demonstrate
positive ANA with autoantibodies to double-stranded DNA. This patient's probable condition is associated with
which of the following HLA type(s)?


A. HLA-A3

B. HLA-B27

C. HLA-DR2 and HLA-DR3

D. HLA-DR3 and HLA-DR4

E. HLA-DR4


Explanation:

The correct answer is C. The disease is systemic lupus erythematosus, which is an autoimmune disorder
associated with HLA-DR2 and HLA-DR3. The presentation described in the question stem is classic; patients
without the characteristic malar or "butterfly" rash are much harder to diagnose because their complaints are
initially typically very vague.

Associate HLA-A3 (choice A) with primary hemochromatosis.

Associate HLA-B27 (choice B) with psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and Reiter's
syndrome.

Type I diabetes is associated with both HLA-DR3 and HLA-DR4 (choice D).

Rheumatoid arthritis is associated with HLA-DR4 (choice E).



A 47-year-old male presents with declining renal function characterized by oliguria, elevated blood urea nitrogen
and creatinine, and hematuria. He also complains of nasal congestion and epistaxis. Review of systems is notable
for occasional cough and hemoptysis. Examination shows mucosal ulceration and nasal septal perforation, but no
polyps. Which of the following serum markers would likely be present in this case?


A. Anti-centromere antibody

B. Anti-Ro

C. Anti-SS-B

D. c-ANCA (cytoplasmic antinuclear cytoplasmic antibody)

E. Decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)


Explanation:

The correct answer is D. This patient has Wegener's granulomatosis, which is characterized by renal
involvement, severe upper respiratory tract symptoms, and pulmonary involvement. Other organ systems may
also be involved. The renal syndrome is a crescentic rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis leading to renal
failure. The upper respiratory tract findings include sinus pain and drainage, and purulent or bloody nasal
discharge with or without nasal ulcerations. Nasal septal perforation may follow. Pulmonary involvement may be
clinically silent with only infiltrates present on x-ray, or it may present as cough and hemoptysis. c-ANCA is a
marker for Wegener's granulomatosis, present in a high percentage of patients.

Anti-centromere antibody (choice A) is associated with approximately 90% of cases with CREST syndrome
(calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal motility syndrome, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia) which is
also called limited scleroderma.

Anti-Ro (choice B) is also called anti-SS-A and is associated with Sjögren's syndrome (70-95%).

Anti-SS-B (choice C) is associated with Sjögren's syndrome (60-90%).

Decreased ESR (choice E) is not a marker of Wegener's. Instead, a markedly elevated ESR is seen.
Additionally, mild anemia, thrombocytosis, leukocytosis, mild hypergammaglobulinemia (IgA), and mildly elevated
rheumatoid factor are seen in this disorder.




A 57-year-old woman with a history of hypertension and arthritis is referred to a rheumatologist for evaluation. A
complete blood count (CBC) is normal, and a mini-chem panel shows no electrolyte abnormalities. Her erythrocyte
sedimentation rate (ESR) is elevated, and an antinuclear antibody test (ANA) is positive. Further antibody studies
are performed, and the results are shown below.

Anti-histones
high titer
Anti-double stranded DNA
not detected
Anti-single stranded DNA
not detected
Anti-SSA
not detected
Anti-SSB
not detected
Anti-SCI-70
not detected
Anti-Smith
not detected
Anit-centromere
not detected
Anti-RNP
not detected

Which of the following diseases is suggested by these results?


A. CREST syndrome

B. Diffuse form of scleroderma

C. Drug-induced lupus

D. Sjögren's syndrome

E. Systemic lupus erythematosus


Explanation:

The correct answer is C. The single finding of high autoantibody titers to histones, without any other
autoantibodies, is characteristic of drug-induced lupus. The most commonly implicated drugs are procainamide,
hydralazine (given for hypertension), and isoniazid. Patients typically have milder disease than in SLE, and tend
to have arthritis, pleuro-pericardial involvement, and, less commonly, rash. CNS and renal disease are not
usually observed.

CREST syndrome (choice A) is a milder variant of scleroderma characterized by calcinosis, Raynaud's
phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly and telangiectasia. Anti-centromere antibodies are
diagnostic.

The diffuse form of scleroderma (choice B), also known as systemic sclerosis, causes fibrosis of the skin and
internal viscera. This disorder is characterized by anti-SCI-70 and often low titers of many other autoantibodies.

Sjögren's syndrome (choice D) is characterized by dry eyes and dry mouth. Sjögren's syndrome in isolation is
characteristically positive for anti-SSA and anti-SSB. If it accompanies rheumatoid arthritis, anti-RNP will be
positive as well.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (choice E) is a multisystem disorder that is distinguished from drug-induced lupus
by the presence of a wide variety of autoantibodies, including anti-double stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA).



A 24-year-old woman with a history of allergic rhinitis is involved in an automobile accident and sustains a splenic
laceration. She undergoes abdominal surgery and is then transfused with four units of blood of the appropriate
ABO and Rh type. As the transfusion progresses, she becomes rapidly hypotensive and develops airway edema,
consistent with anaphylaxis. Which of the following pre-existing conditions best accounts for these symptoms?


A. AIDS

B. C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency

C. DiGeorge syndrome

D. Selective IgA deficiency

E. Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome


Explanation:

The correct answer is D. Patients with selective IgA deficiency may have circulating antibodies to IgA. Fatal
anaphylaxis may ensue if they are transfused with blood products with serum containing IgA, although many
patients with selective IgA deficiency are asymptomatic and never diagnosed. Symptomatic patients may have
recurrent sinopulmonary infections and diarrhea, and also have an increased incidence of autoimmune and
allergic diseases.

AIDS (choice A) predisposes for infections and neoplasms, but not anaphylaxis.

C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency (choice B) is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by recurrent attacks
of colic and episodes of laryngeal edema, without pruritus or urticarial lesions. This disorder is also known as
hereditary angioedema.

DiGeorge syndrome (choice C) is characterized by thymic aplasia and sometimes, hypoparathyroidism. The
disorder is due to abnormal development of the third and fourth pharyngeal pouches.

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (choice E) is a form of immunodeficiency associated with thrombocytopenia and
eczema.



An 8-month-old boy baby is evaluated because of repeated episodes of pneumococcal pneumonia. Serum
studies demonstrate very low levels of IgM, IgG, and IgA. This patient's condition is thought to be related to a
deficiency of which of the following proteins?


A. Adenosine deaminase

B. Class III MHC gene

C. Gamma chain of the IL-2 receptor

D. Purine nucleotide phosphorylase

E. Tyrosine kinase


Explanation:

The correct answer is E. The patient in the question stem has X-linked (Bruton's) agammaglobulinemia, which is
now thought to be due to a deficiency in a tyrosine kinase, leading to a B cell maturation arrest at the pre-B cell
level.

Selective IgA deficiency has been linked to defective class III MHC genes (choice B).

Severe combined immunodeficiency is apparently a heterogeneous disease, and different subgroups have
been linked to abnormalities of adenosine deaminase (choice A), the gamma chain of the IL-2 receptor (choice
C), and purine nucleotide phosphorylase (choice D).




An 18-year-old high school senior presents to her doctor with tender lymph nodes in her neck on the left side.
She has no significant past medical history. Two weeks ago, she updated her vaccines in preparation for college.
A lymph node biopsy is performed, which shows benign paracortical expansion and scattered multinucleated
giant cells with eosinophilic cytoplasmic and nuclear inclusion bodies. Which of the following vaccines is most
likely responsible for this woman's lymphadenitis?


A. Hepatitis B

B. Measles

C. Rubella

D. Smallpox

E. Tetanus


Explanation:

The correct answer is B. The Warthin-Finkeldey (WF) giant cell described above is pathognomonic for measles
or the live attenuated measles vaccine. Most giant cells are composed of histiocytes, but the WF giant cell is
created by fusion of lymphocytes. Although postvaccinal lymphadenitis may be seen with different vaccines, the
usual reaction is immunoblastic proliferation within the paracortical regions of a hyperplastic lymph node.

Hepatitis B (choice A), rubella (choice C), and tetanus (choice E) are rarely associated with postvaccinial
lymphadenitis.

Smallpox (choice D) is classically followed by tender regional adenopathy, one to several weeks following
immunization. There are no associated giant cells.



A 21-year-old college student from Connecticut with a past history of Lyme disease presents with chronic pain
and swelling in his right knee. He states that he has had problems with the knee for the past two years. Which of
the following HLA alleles would you expect to be present in this individual?


A. HLA-B9

B. HLA-B17

C. HLA-B27

D. HLA-DR3

E. HLA-DR4


Explanation:

The correct answer is E. Approximately 60% of patients in the United States who contract Lyme disease, but
are not treated with antibiotics, will develop frank arthritis. The pattern typically consists of intermittent attacks
of oligoarticular arthritis in large joints (especially knees) lasting for weeks to months in a given joint. Patients
with persistent arthritis have a higher frequently of HLA-DR4 class II MHC complex than patients with brief Lyme
arthritis or normal controls.

HLA-B9 (choice A), and HLA-B17 (choice B) are not thought to be associated with Lyme disease arthritis.

HLA-DR3 (choice D) is associated with a variety of disorders, but not Lyme disease arthritis.

HLA-B27 (choice C), although associated with reactive arthritis, is not associated with Lyme disease arthritis.


A 7-year-old girl is walking across a vacant lot and steps on a nail. The next day, her foot is sore and the wound
appears inflamed. During these early stages of infection, which of the following compounds exert the most
powerful chemotactic effect on neutrophils, causing them to migrate into the inflamed area?


A. C5a and IL-8

B. IL-1 and tumor necrosis factor

C. LTC4 and LTD4

D. PGI2 and PGD2

E. Thromboxane and platelet activating factor


Explanation:

The correct answer is A. The most important chemotactic factors for neutrophils are the complement factor C5a
and the interleukin IL-8.

The cytokines IL-1 and tumor necrosis factor (choice B) have complex, similar actions, including stimulation of
production of many acute-phase reactions, stimulation of fibroblasts, and stimulation of endothelium.

Leukotrienes LTC4 and LTD4(choice C) cause increased vascular permeability.

Prostaglandins PGI2 and PGD2(choice D) mediate vasodilation and pain.

Thromboxane and platelet activating factor (choice E) induce platelet changes.



One year after orthotopic liver transplantation for hepatitis C and cirrhosis, a 53-year-old man develops rising
transaminase and bilirubin levels. In order to minimize chronic rejection injury to hepatic endothelial cells,
immunosuppressive therapy is aimed at down-regulating which of the following components of the immune
response?


A. Autoantibody production

B. Complement protein synthesis

C. HLA antigen expression

D. Mast cell degranulation

E. T-lymphocyte activity


Explanation:

The correct answer is E. Chronic rejection of any solid organ entails cellular injury to endothelial cells, resulting
in intimal proliferation, fibrosis, and eventually ischemic injury to the graft. Immunosuppressive therapy is
directed at controlling lymphocyte activity and minimizing cellular rejection.

Autoantibodies (choice A) are not involved in organ transplant rejection. The antibodies produced are
alloantibodies directed only to the graft, but not to the host.

Complement proteins (choice B) are involved in the humoral component of acute rejection, and complement
binding to alloantibodies increases graft damage. Complement protein production, however, is not affected by
immunosuppressive therapy.

HLA antigen expression (choice C) is central to recognition of foreign cells in grafted tissue. HLA antigens are
expressed constitutively by all normal cells, and immunosuppression does not affect their production.

Mast cell degranulation (choice D) is a component of the anaphylactic response (Type I hypersensitivity). Graft
rejection is a Type IV hypersensitivity response, and does not involve mast cell degranulation.




A 40-year-old woman with systemic sclerosis presents to her physician with malaise. Physical examination is
remarkable for jaundice, and serum chemistry studies demonstrate moderately elevated serum alkaline
phosphatase, while aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) are only minimally
elevated. Presence of which of the following autoantibodies would be most helpful in elucidating the likely etiology
of the woman's liver disease?


A. Anti-double-stranded DNA

B. Anti-mitochondrial antibodies

C. Anti-phospholipid antibodies

D. Anti-self IgG

E. Anti-smooth muscle antibodies


Explanation:

The correct answer is B. Primary biliary cirrhosis is strongly associated with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma).
This disorder characteristically affects intrahepatic bile ducts more than the hepatic parenchyma, at least in the
earlier stages, and consequently causes a disproportionate increase in serum alkaline phosphatase compared
to AST and ALT. The most distinctive markers for primary biliary cirrhosis are anti-mitochondrial antibodies,
especially the M2 subtype. Primary biliary cirrhosis is also associated with a variety of other diseases, such as
Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroiditis, celiac disease, and glomerulonephritis.

Anti-double-stranded DNA (choice A) and anti-phospholipid antibodies (choice C) are markers for systemic
lupus erythematosus.

Anti-self IgG (choice D; also known as rheumatoid factor) is a marker for rheumatoid arthritis.

Anti-smooth muscle antibodies (choice E) are seen in autoimmune hepatitis, which is not as strongly associated
with scleroderma as primary biliary cirrhosis.



Which of the following events occurs first in the differentiation sequence of human B cells in the bone marrow?


A. Cytoplasmic mu chains present in the B cell

B. Immunoglobulin heavy chain rearrangement

C. Immunoglobulin light chain rearrangement

D. Surface IgD and IgM present on the B cell

E. Surface IgM present on the B cell


Explanation:

The correct answer is B. The first event that occurs in the pre-B cell (progenitor) is the gene rearrangement of
the heavy chain. The D gene and J gene recombination event occurs first, followed by V recombination with the
D-J region.

The cytoplasmic mu chains (choice A) are the result of immunoglobulin heavy chain rearrangement, the
production of the messenger RNA from this rearrangement, and the ribosomal synthesis of the protein mu
chain. This is the second event that occurs in the B-cell maturational sequence.

Light chain rearrangement (choice C) occurs when recombination events occur with the V gene and J gene
from the light chain germ line. After this recombination has occurred, and the messenger RNA for this germ line
has produced the light chain protein, the light chains and heavy chains form.

The complete IgM molecule and IgD molecules (choice D) are present on the surface of only the mature B cells.
This event is the last event to occur during the differentiation and development of B cells in the bone marrow.

The complete IgM molecule (choice E) is present on the surface of the immature B cell. This event is one of the
last events to occur in the differentiation and development of B cells.



A 4-year-old boy is seen by his pediatrician for epistaxis. The patient has a history of multiple bacterial and viral
respiratory tract infections and eczema. An uncle had similar problems. Physical examination is remarkable for
multiple petechial lesions on the skin and mucous membranes. Serum IgE is increased, and platelets are
decreased. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?


A. Acquired hypogammaglobulinemia

B. Ataxia telangiectasia

C. DiGeorge syndrome

D. Selective IgA deficiency

E. Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome


Explanation:

The correct answer is E. Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome is an X-linked condition characterized by eczema,
thrombocytopenia, and repeated infections. Affected children may present with bleeding and often succumb to
complications of bleeding, infection, or lymphoreticular malignancy. The platelets are small, have a shortened
half-life, and appear to be deficient in surface sialophorin (CD43). Splenectomy can correct the
thrombocytopenia, but not the immune defect. Serum IgM is usually decreased, while IgE is frequently increased.
Mutations in the Wiskott-Aldrich serum protein (WASP) gene on the short arm of the X chromosome are
responsible for this disease.

Acquired hypogammaglobulinemia (choice A) is a disease of adults characterized by normal numbers of B cells
but low immunoglobulin production.

Ataxia telangiectasia (choice B) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by progressive cerebellar
dysfunction, telangiectasias, and a variable immunodeficiency.

DiGeorge syndrome (choice C) is a developmental malformation leading to thymic aplasia and, sometimes,
hypoparathyroidism.

Selective IgA deficiency (choice D) is a relatively common condition characterized by low levels of IgA.



A 34-year-old woman presents with fatigue, malaise, and swollen, tender joints. Physical examination is significant
for a maculopapular eruption over sun-exposed areas, including the face. Examination of a peripheral blood
smear reveals mild thrombocytopenia. Which of the following autoantibodies, if present, would be most specific
for the diagnosis of the patient's disorder?


A. Anti-centromere antibody

B. Anti-IgG antibody

C. Antinuclear antibody

D. Anti-Sm (Smith antigen) antibody

E. Anti-SS-A (Ro) antibody


Explanation:

The correct answer is D. The patient described probably has systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This is a
systemic disorder that often presents with fatigue, malaise, fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, arthralgias, and
myalgias. Hematologic abnormalities include anemia of chronic disease, hemolytic anemia, leukopenia,
lymphocytopenia, and thrombocytopenia. A circulating anticoagulant may prolong the APTT (activated partial
thromboplastin time). Cutaneous manifestations include a malar rash and a generalized maculopapular
eruption, both of which are photosensitive. Antibodies to the Smith antigen (core proteins of small
ribonucleoproteins found in the nucleus) are present in only 20-30% of patients with SLE, but are quite specific
for the disease, occurring only rarely in other autoimmune diseases.

Anti-centromere antibody (choice A) is specific for the CREST (Calcinosis, Raynaud's syndrome, Esophageal
dysfunction, Sclerodactyly, and Telangiectasia) variant of progressive systemic sclerosis (scleroderma).

Rheumatoid factor is actually an autoantibody directed against the Fc portion of the IgG molecule (choice B). It
is found in more than two-thirds of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

The majority of patients with SLE (around 95%) develop antinuclear antibodies (ANA; choice C), so this test is
quite sensitive, but not very specific for SLE. ANA occur in other inflammatory disorders, autoimmune diseases,
viral diseases, and in a number of normal individuals. Antibodies to double-stranded DNA are more specific for
SLE, but are not included as an answer choice.

Anti-SS-A antigen (choice E) refers to antibodies to certain ribonucleoproteins, which are fairly specific for
Sjögren's syndrome.



A four-year-old boy is brought to the pediatrician because of several "boils" on his arm. His mother tells the
physician that the boy has had similar lesions on several previous occasions that were treated successfully with
antibiotics. She denies any history of eczema or typical childhood illnesses such as measles or chicken pox. The
child has had all of his immunizations. Laboratory examination reveals a normal complete blood count,
immunoglobulin levels, B cell and T cell counts, and complement levels. Serum calcium and parathyroid hormone
levels are also normal. The nitroblue tetrazolium test is negative. Which of the following diagnoses is most
consistent with these data?


A. Bruton's agammaglobulinemia

B. Chronic granulomatous disease

C. DiGeorge syndrome

D. SCID (severe combined immunodeficiency disease)

E. Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome


Explanation:

The correct answer is B. The fact that the boy had several different infections with pyogenic bacteria requiring
antibiotics suggests an inability of phagocytes to kill bacteria. The nitroblue tetrazolium test (NBT) for reactive
oxygen intermediates was negative, indicating that the boy suffers from chronic granulomatous disease (CGD).
CGD is most often due to a defect in NADPH oxidase, which is necessary for leukocyte hydrogen peroxide
production.

In Bruton's agammaglobulinemia (choice A), patients have very low levels of circulating immunoglobulins. There
is a virtual absence of B cells, but pre-B cells are present. These patients also experience frequent pyogenic
bacterial infections, but the boy in the question had normal immunoglobulin levels and normal B cell counts.

DiGeorge syndrome (choice C) results when the 3rd and 4th pharyngeal pouches fail to develop in normal
fashion and the individual is missing the thymus gland and parathyroid glands. Hypocalcemia, low parathyroid
levels and a T cell abnormality are typical.

In SCID (severe combined immunodeficiency disease) (choice D) both B cells and T cells may be absent, or if
present, may not function properly. In this patient, the B and T cell counts were normal. The immunoglobulin
levels were normal, so the B cells were functioning, and the patient was successfully immunized, so his T cells
were functioning.

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (choice E), an immune deficiency disease that develops in the first year of life, is
characterized by pyogenic infections, eczema, and thrombocytopenia.



A 45-year-old man presents to a physician with complaints of double vision and ptosis. The patient has noticed
that these problems are minor in the early morning, but become progressively more severe during the course of
the day. Symptoms markedly improve after a test dose of edrophonium. This condition is usually related to
autoantibodies directed against which of the following?


A. Acetylcholine receptor

B. Double-stranded DNA

C. Neutrophil cytoplasmic proteins

D. SS-A (Ro)

E. TSH receptor


Explanation:

The correct answer is A. The disease is myasthenia gravis, which is the result of autoantibodies directed
against the acetylcholine receptor at the neuromuscular junction. Many patients with myasthenia gravis have
related thymic hyperplasia or thymoma.

Antibodies to double-stranded DNA (choice B) are a feature of systemic lupus erythematosus, a
collagen-vascular disease.

Antibodies to neutrophil cytoplasmic proteins (choice C), called antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies
(ANCA), are a feature of Wegener's granulomatosis.

Antibodies to SS-A (choice D) are a feature of Sjögren's syndrome, characterized by autoimmune inflammation
of the lacrimal and salivary glands

Antibodies to the TSH receptor (choice E) are a feature of Graves' disease. Stimulation of the receptor by the
autoantibodies is responsible for producing a hyperthyroid state.



A child stepped on a piece of glass 1 day ago, and an active inflammatory reaction is occurring in her wound, with
large numbers of neutrophils attracted to the inflammation site. Which of the following is the major chemotactic
factor responsible for attracting neutrophils?


A. C3b

B. C5a

C. IgM

D. IL-2

E. Lysozyme


Explanation:

The correct answer is B. In active inflammation, the complement system has been activated and C5a is being
produced. C5a is a strong chemoattractant to neutrophils and other phagocytic cells.

C3b (choice A) is an excellent opsonin of pathogenic organisms; when an organism is coated with C3b, it is
more easily phagocytized. C3b is formed via the classic and alternative complement pathways.

IgM (choice C) is the first immunoglobulin produced in the primary immune response. IgM cannot cross the
placenta, but it is a powerful activator of complement; elevated levels in the newborn are associated with an
acute infection with a pathogen.

IL-2 (choice D) is a powerful interleukin that stimulates T helper 1 cells. It also stimulates natural killer cells and
T cytotoxic CD8 lymphocytes, but is not chemotactic for neutrophils.

Lysozyme (choice E) is a material present in tears, mucous, vaginal secretions, and other body fluids. It is active
against the peptidoglycan of bacterial cell walls, splitting the backbone structure of the peptidoglycan
(N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetyl muramic acid polymers).


A 65-year-old woman is evaluated for symmetrical swelling of the proximal phalangeal joints. Physical examination
also reveals large subcutaneous nodules over the extensor surfaces of both arms. Autoantibodies directed
against which of the following antigens would most likely be demonstrated by serum studies?


A. Acetylcholine receptor

B. Double stranded DNA

C. Histones

D. IgG

E. Ribonucleoprotein


Explanation:

The correct answer is D. The disease is rheumatoid arthritis, and the autoantibody is rheumatoid factor, which
is usually an IgM or IgG (or less commonly IgA) directed against the constant region of autologous IgG.

Autoantibody directed against acetylcholine receptor (choice A) is a feature of myasthenia gravis.

Autoantibody directed against double stranded DNA (choice B) is a feature of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Autoantibody directed against histones (choice C) is a feature of drug-induced lupus.

Autoantibody directed against ribonucleoprotein (choice E) is a feature of mixed connective tissue disease.



Which of the following is the most important costimulatory signal provided to a T cell from an antigen-presenting
cell?


A. B7 molecules interacting with CD 28

B. B7 molecules interacting with LFA- 1

C. ICAM-I interacting with LFA-1

D. LFA-3 interacting with CD 28

E. MHC class II interacting with T cell receptor


Explanation:

The correct answer is A. The B7 molecule on the cell surface of the antigen-presenting cell reacts with the CD
28 molecule on the T cell surface for maximal costimulatory signals.

The B7 molecule on the surface of the antigen presenting cell reacts only with CD 28 and does not react with
LFA-1 (choice B) adhesion molecule.

The ICAM- I on the surface of an antigen presenting cell reacts with the LFA- I (choice C) on the surface of a T
cell for the purpose of cell-to-cell adhesion and does not function for costimulation.

The LFA-3 (CD58) is an adhesion molecule on the surface of an antigen presenting cell. It does not react with a
CD28 (choice D) costimulatory molecule on the T cell surface.

The MHC class II molecule with its epitope does interact with a specific T cell receptor (TCR) (choice E), but this
is not termed costimulatory. However, the interaction does stimulate the T cell to produce interleukins for further
cell division.




Cytotoxic T cells induced by infection with virus A will kill target cells


A. from the same host infected with any virus

B. infected by virus A and identical at class I MHC loci to the cytotoxic T cells

C. infected by virus A and identical at class II MHC loci to the cytotoxic T cells

D. infected with any virus and identical at class I MHC loci to the cytotoxic cells

E. infected with any virus and identical at class II MHC loci to the cytotoxic cells


Explanation:

The correct answer is B. The CD8+ cytotoxic T cells have antigen specific T-cell receptors (TCR) on their
membranes that will recognize and bind to self class I antigens. Since the viral peptides are presented as a
complex with the self class I antigens, the CD8+ cells can now recognize and react to the virus A peptides.
Remember that class I antigens are expressed on all nucleated cells and platelets.



Which of the following genes involved in the synthesis of immunoglobulins are linked on a single chromosome?


A. C gene for gamma chain and C gene for alpha chain

B. C gene for gamma chain and C gene for kappa chain

C. V gene for kappa chain and C gene for the epsilon chain

D. V gene for lambda chain and C gene for kappa chain

E. V gene for lambda chain and V gene for heavy chain


Explanation:

The correct answer is A. The genes for the synthesis of the entire heavy chain are present on human
chromosome 14. Of the options given above, the only genes that are present on one chromosome are for the
C (constant) regions of the heavy chains. Remember, the heavy chains determine the identity of the
immunoglobulin isotypes: IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, and IgE.

Choice B: The C gene for the gamma heavy chain is on chromosome 14 and the C gene for the kappa light
chain gene is on chromosome 2.

Choice C: The V gene for the kappa light chain gene is on chromosome 2. The C gene for the epsilon heavy
chain is on chromosome 14.

Choice D: The V gene for the lambda light chain gene is on chromosome 22. The C gene for the kappa light
chain gene is on chromosome 2.

Choice E: The V gene for the lambda light chain gene is on chromosome 22 and the V gene for the heavy
chain gene is on chromosome 14.



What is the role of the macrophage during antibody formation?


A. Activation of cytotoxic CD8 T cells

B. Delayed hypersensitivity reaction

C. Lysis of virus-infected cells

D. Processing antigen and presenting it to T helper CD4 cells

E. Synthesis of immunoglobulin


Explanation:

The correct answer is D. The macrophage phagocytizes exo

[ArchivalUser]

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[ArchivalUser]

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Let Rock for 99 InshAllah.