typo in robbins path QnA?

[MudPhud20XX]

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Hi all,

This is one of the Robbins path questions:

An experiment involving carcinoma cells grown in culture studies the antitumor surveillance effects of the innate immune system. These carcinoma cells fial to express MHC class I antigens. In is observed, however, that carcinoma cells are lysed in the presence of one type of immune cells that has been activated by IL-2. Which of the following immune cells is most likely to function in this manner?

A. CD4+ lymphocyte
B. CD8+ lymphocyte
C. Macrophage
D. Neutrophil
E. NK cell
F. Plasma cell

So the answer is E, which makes sense. I wanted to choose that one, but isn't NK cell activated by IL-12? Is this possibly a typo?

Many thank in advance.

 

[SBR249]

It's NK cells, FA2014 says on pg.199 that IL-2, IL-12, IFN-beta/alpha all enhance NK cell activity. But I'm going to say you are overthinking this problem. There is only 1 type of cell that functions to lyse cells that downregulate MHC-I and that's NK cells, everything else is just extra, low yield details that you do not necessarily need to answer the question.

On the USMLE it may be conceivable for them to ask what cytokines activate B/T lymphocytes or which cytokines promote differentiation to which type of T lymphocytes, but for stuff like NK cells, they just want you to know the main idea, that it's a failsafe mechanism for the body to attack infected cells if the MHC/T-cell system fails.

Edit: also no other answer makes much sense even if you were disinclined to pick NK cells. There are only 3 cells on that list that can lyse cells directly, CD8+ CTLs, Neutrophils, and NK cells. Choice B is obviously wrong, neutrophils have nothing to do with MHC-sensing and do not target endogenous infected cells.

 

[DCBFan]

Honest, innocent question here: how long have you been studying for this test, MudPhud20XX?

 

[MudPhud20XX]

Honest, innocent question here: how long have you been studying for this test, MudPhud20XX?

I started using my spare time last year during my 1st year, but I am now spending more time on step 1 exclusively. I realized doing questions are really important, so I am going to do more questions. Thank you all for your help!

 

[DCBFan]

Ah I see, so you've been preparing very gradually. Watch out for burnout, and good luck.

 

[seminoma]

What's "Robbins QnA"? Robbins Review?

 

[Psai]

I was wondering why your knowledge base seemed to be so lacking

 

[Transposony]

I was wondering why your knowledge base seemed to be so lacking

That was discussed here but I like OP's questions since they keep my knowledge fresh.
Keep them coming OP.