Scenario In Order for Cytotoxic T Cells to Kill Infected Cells

question 38

Multiple Choice

Scenario
In order for cytotoxic T cells to kill infected cells, they must bind to the self proteins on the surface of the infected cells. Other proteins on the surface of the cytotoxic T cells assist with this binding process. One of these accessory proteins, CD8, has been implicated in many immunodeficiency disorders, including AIDS. CD8 is required for cytotoxic T cells to function normally.
Chronic alcohol use is associated with increased rates of pulmonary bacterial and viral infections. A recent study examined this association by investigating the effects of alcohol on the immune system in mice. Mice were given either water or alcohol (ethanol) to drink and then were infected with the influenza virus. The number of cytotoxic T cells that have the CD8 accessory protein was measured in both groups of mice. The data collected are shown in the figure below.
-Which group of mice has more functional cytotoxic T cells?

• A)The mice that drank water.
• B)The mice that drank alcohol.
• C)Both groups of mice have similar amounts of functional cytotoxic T cells.