What is the function of CD14 with respect to LPS recognition?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because CD14 is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein expressed on the cell membrane that binds to LPS and facilitates its delivery to the TLR-4/MD-2 complex for recognition. CD14 does not transport TLR-4 (Choice A), bind LPS internally (Choice B), or act as an adaptor in the signaling pathway (Choice C). The key role of CD14 is to shuttle LPS to TLR-4/MD-2, initiating the immune response.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the secondary immune response is faster and stronger compared to the primary response. This is due to the presence of memory B and T cells from the primary response that can quickly recognize and respond to the antigen upon re-exposure. These memory cells allow for a more rapid and robust immune response, leading to quicker elimination of the pathogen. Choices A and B are incorrect because both primary and secondary responses involve the adaptive immune system and are antigen-specific. Choice C is incorrect as the secondary response is faster and more potent than the primary response.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The rearrangement of B cell antigen receptor genes occurs in the bone marrow. This process involves the assembly of variable (V), diversity (D), and joining (J) gene segments to generate a diverse repertoire of B cell receptors. The bone marrow provides the necessary environment for this gene rearrangement to take place, ensuring the development of functional B cells. Germinal centers and cortical areas of lymph nodes are involved in B cell activation and differentiation, not gene rearrangement. While secondary lymphoid organs support B cell activation and immune responses, they are not specifically where the gene rearrangement occurs.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Peyer's patches are lymphoid nodules located in the small intestine, specifically in the ileum. They play a crucial role in the immune response of the gut. The correct answer is A: Intestine because Peyer's patches are specifically found in the intestine. The other choices are incorrect because the spleen is a different organ involved in filtering blood, the lungs are primarily involved in respiration, and the skin is the body's largest organ responsible for protection and thermoregulation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: NOD2. Mutations in the NOD2 gene have been strongly associated with an increased risk of Crohn's disease. NOD2 is involved in the immune response to bacteria in the gut, and mutations in this gene can lead to dysregulation of the immune system, contributing to the development of Crohn's disease. A: TLR-4 is involved in the recognition of bacterial components but mutations in this gene are not strongly linked to Crohn's disease. C: NADPH oxidase is important for the production of reactive oxygen species in immune cells but mutations in this gene are not known to be a risk factor for Crohn's disease. D: IL-2 is a cytokine involved in immune regulation but mutations in this gene are not associated with an increased risk of Crohn's disease.