The process of somatic hypermutation:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because somatic hypermutation can lead to the formation of antibodies with higher affinity for the antigen by introducing point mutations in the variable regions of immunoglobulin genes. This process mainly occurs in the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) of immunoglobulin heavy and light chain genes, which are critical for antigen binding. Somatic hypermutation takes place in the germinal centers of secondary lymphoid organs, where B cells undergo rapid proliferation and selection based on antigen binding affinity. Therefore, all the statements in choices A, B, and C are correct, making option D the right answer.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because there are no reports of the Black Death dating back to 1000 B.C. The Black Death specifically refers to the pandemic outbreak of the bubonic plague in the 14th century. The first recorded pandemic of the Black Death occurred in the 14th century, not in 1000 B.C. The other choices are incorrect because A is true as the Black Death did devastate Europe in the 14th century, C is true as plague is still present in some countries, and D is true as plague can be treated with antibiotics if caught early.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Peptidoglycan. Peptidoglycan is a structural component of bacterial cell walls and does not directly contribute to the pathogenicity or virulence of the bacterium. Flagella aid in motility and colonization, effector proteins manipulate host cells, and toxins damage host tissues, all of which are virulence factors. Peptidoglycan is essential for maintaining cell shape and integrity but does not directly enhance the ability of the bacteria to cause disease.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because NLRP3 is not found in complex with pro-caspase 1 in resting, non-activated cells. Inflammasome formation requires assembly of NLRP3 with ASC and pro-caspase 1. Choices A, B, and C are correct statements because activation of receptors like TLRs can trigger inflammasome formation, extracellular ATP can induce inflammasome formation, and environmental triggers such as asbestos can also lead to inflammasome activation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Bone marrow. B cells undergo maturation in the bone marrow, where they develop from hematopoietic stem cells. This is where they acquire their antigen receptors and differentiate into mature B cells. Lymph nodes (A) are primarily responsible for filtering lymph and containing immune cells. The spleen (B) is involved in filtering blood and storing immune cells. The thymus (D) is where T cells mature, not B cells. Therefore, the correct site for B cell maturation is the bone marrow.