Which immune cells are particularly attracted by acute phase reactants?

• A. Neutrophils and CD4 cells
• B. Basophils and mast cells
• C. Natural killer cells and B cells
• D. T cells and eosinophils

Answer: (A)

The correct answer is the group of immune cells that includes neutrophils and CD4 cells, which are particularly attracted by acute phase reactants. Acute phase reactants are proteins whose levels increase in response to inflammation, often produced by the liver in response to cytokines during an immune response.

Neutrophils are among the first responders to sites of acute inflammation and are critical for the innate immune response. They respond rapidly to chemotactic signals, including those generated by acute phase reactants, allowing them to migrate to areas of infection or injury to phagocytize pathogens and debris.

CD4 cells, or helper T cells, play a significant role in orchestrating the adaptive immune response. They are attracted to sites of inflammation influenced by a range of signaling molecules, including acute phase reactants, enhancing the immune response by aiding in the activation of other immune cells, including B cells and cytotoxic T cells.

This response is crucial in the early stages of inflammation, where the body works to contain and eliminate potential pathogens while also repairing tissues.