Absence of MHC-I makes a cell more susceptible to attack by which immune cells?

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Study for the NBME Immunology Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Prepare to excel!

Multiple Choice

Absence of MHC-I makes a cell more susceptible to attack by which immune cells?

Explanation:
When MHC class I is present, it sends inhibitory signals to natural killer (NK) cells, helping them spare healthy cells. If MHC I is absent, those inhibitory signals are lost, and NK cells become activated against the target cell. This is the “missing self” recognition: cells that downregulate MHC I to evade CD8+ T cells are exposed to NK cell killing. The other options don’t fit this mechanism: CD4+ T helper cells rely on antigen presentation on MHC II, B cells are antibody-producing cells, and neutrophils are general phagocytes not specifically driven by MHC I status.

When MHC class I is present, it sends inhibitory signals to natural killer (NK) cells, helping them spare healthy cells. If MHC I is absent, those inhibitory signals are lost, and NK cells become activated against the target cell. This is the “missing self” recognition: cells that downregulate MHC I to evade CD8+ T cells are exposed to NK cell killing. The other options don’t fit this mechanism: CD4+ T helper cells rely on antigen presentation on MHC II, B cells are antibody-producing cells, and neutrophils are general phagocytes not specifically driven by MHC I status.

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