Question
Anergy refers to
The correct answer is
unresponsiveness to antigens
Anergy Definition
Anergy refers specifically to a state of immunological tolerance where an immune cell, typically a lymphocyte (like a T cell), becomes unresponsive to a specific antigen.
Why Option C is Correct
- Option C: unresponsiveness to antigens - This accurately defines anergy as a lack of immune response to a particular antigen. It's a key concept in immunology, particularly related to self-tolerance and preventing autoimmune diseases.
Why Other Options are Incorrect
- Option A: mitochondrial dysfunction - This relates to problems with cellular energy production within mitochondria and is not related to immune system responses.
- Option B: allergy to environmental antigens - An allergy is actually an *overreaction* of the immune system to an antigen, the opposite of anergy.
- Option D: a state of no energy - While anergy can lead to a lack of effective immune response, this option is too general and doesn't capture the specific immunological meaning related to antigen recognition.
Was this answer helpful?
Important Questions from Immune Tolerance
- Match the immune tolerance mechanisms in Group I with their respective outcomes in Group II.
Group I Group II P. Anergy 1. Elimination of activated T-cells after antigen clearance Q. Activation-induced cell death 2. Inhibition of auto-reactive T-cells at periphery R. Receptor editing 3. Unresponsiveness to antigens due to lack of co-stimulatory molecules S. Regulatory T-cells 4. Elimination of auto-reactive B-cells
Need Expert Advice?
