Many men make antibodies to sperm, resulting in destruction of sperm to the point of sterility. What would be the likely origin of this autoimmune disease?
A. T helper cells erroneously identify sperm cells as foreign invaders, triggering the T cytotoxic cells to start killing sperm
B. These antibodies are produced as a result of mutations in T lymphocytes, causing them to make large amounts of antibody.
C. Since sperm are not made until after puberty, the immune system cannot scan the antigens on the sperm for immune tolerance. After sperm are made and the immune system sees them, they are recognized as foreign.
D. Antigens on sperm cells are similar to antigens on a variety of bacteria like Streptococcus. After a strep throat caused by Streptococcus, the immune system produces antibodies to streptococcal antigens, which then cross react with sperm antigens and destroy them.
Preview next quiz:
Your 81-year old grandfather has been diagnosed with cancer of the thymus. The doctor is urging surgical removal of the cancer, but you and the family are worried about the consequences of removing an entire organ such as the thymus. Which statement is correct?
A. There is nothing to worry about; thymus removal will not affect your grandfather’s immune status at his age.
B. Your grandfather would not have sufficient phagocytic cells and would not be able to contain bacterial infections.
C. Your grandfather would not be able to produce complement proteins necessary for pathogen control and inflammation.
D. Your grandfather will have a loss of T lymphocytes and will have an immune deficiency.
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