A client's exposure to an antibiotic-resistant microorganism while in the hospital has initiated an immune response. Which of the following is responsible for the mediated and regulated actions that occur in this situation?

Question

A) Peripheral lymphoid tissues
B) Chemokines that contribute to an ongoing immune response
C) Cytokines released at cell-to-cell interfaces, binding to specific receptors
D) Phagocytosis in the response to viral invasion

Answer 1

Ans: C
Feedback:
Most cytokines are released at cell-to-cell interfaces, where they bind to specific receptors on the membrane surface of their target cells. All cytokines are secreted in a brief, self-limited manner. They are not usually stored as preformed molecules. The short half-life of cytokines ensures that excessive immune responses and systemic activation do not occur. Cytokines are proteins, not cells, and are thus incapable of phagocytosis.