Which of the following cytokines is NOT included in the interleukin family?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: IFN-alpha. This is because IFN-alpha belongs to the interferon family, not the interleukin family. Interleukins are a subset of cytokines that are primarily involved in regulating immune responses, while interferons have antiviral properties. IL-1, IL-22, and IL-10 are all interleukins and are part of the interleukin family. Therefore, IFN-alpha is the only cytokine listed that is not included in the interleukin family.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Louis Pasteur is credited with introducing the germ theory of disease. He conducted experiments that demonstrated the role of microorganisms in causing infections. He also developed pasteurization to kill harmful bacteria in food and beverages. Edward Jenner is known for developing the smallpox vaccine, not the germ theory. Elie Metchnikoff studied the immune system and phagocytosis. Paul Ehrlich is known for his work on chemotherapy and the concept of the "magic bullet," targeting specific pathogens.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B - Macrophages and neutrophils are the most important phagocytes in innate immunity. Macrophages are versatile cells that engulf and destroy pathogens, while neutrophils are the most abundant phagocytes in the blood and are critical for early immune responses. Natural killer cells and B lymphocytes (A) are not phagocytes, but rather involved in adaptive immunity. T cells and dendritic cells (C) play roles in adaptive immunity and antigen presentation, not direct phagocytosis. Basophils and eosinophils (D) are involved in allergic reactions and parasitic infections, not primary phagocytic functions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary trigger for NK cell activation is the lack of normal self-surface structures. NK cells are part of the innate immune system and recognize cells with altered or missing self-antigens. This triggers their activation to eliminate these abnormal cells. Presence of PAMPs (A) activates other immune cells like macrophages. High levels of complement proteins (C) activate the complement cascade but do not directly trigger NK cell activation. Antigen presentation by dendritic cells (D) activates adaptive immune responses through T cells, not NK cells. Therefore, the correct answer is B as it directly relates to NK cell function.