Multiple Myeloma Is a Plasma Cell Tumor in Which a Clone

question 39

Multiple Choice

Multiple myeloma is a plasma cell tumor in which a clone of malignant plasma cells produces large amounts of immunoglobulin. With all this excess immunoglobulin, how can a person with multiple myeloma be immunodeficient?

• A) All the immunoglobulin produced is most likely specific to one antigen. This limits the ability to respond to the diversity of antigens we encounter.
• B) The multiplication of the malignant plasma cells may crowd out normal production of other immune cells required for protective responses.
• C) The massive overproduction of immunoglobulin impairs the kidneys, preventing production of the correct hormones from the kidneys to balance immune system cell production from the bone marrow.
• D) Through a negative feedback loop, the large amount of immunoglobulin tricks the immune system into thinking it's making a strong response that is needed. As such, it shuts down production of other responses that might truly BE needed to fight off a pathogen.
• E) All the immunoglobulin produced is most likely specific to one antigen. This limits the ability to respond to the diversity of antigens we encounter AND the multiplication of the malignant plasma cells may crowd out normal production of other immune cells required for protective responses.

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Definitions:

Proximate Cause

A legal concept that connects an individual's actions to the resulting harm or damage, indicating a direct link between the cause and effect.

Wrongful Act

An action that is illegal or immoral, or infringes on someone's rights.

Defamation

The act of making false statements about someone that harm their reputation.

Privilege

In tort law, the ability to act contrary to another person’s right without that person’s having legal redress for such acts. Privilege may be raised as a defense to defamation.