Question

Why is Cell-mediated Immunity (CMI) significant in modern medicine, specifically regarding organ transplants?

• A. It produces the antibodies found in blood plasma.
• B. It is responsible for graft rejection by differentiating between "self" and "non-self."
• C. It prevents the entry of pathogens through the skin.
• D. It only reacts to bacterial infections.

Answer 1

Answer:

B. It is responsible for graft rejection by differentiating between "self" and "non-self."

• Cell-mediated immunity is mediated by T-lymphocytes. It allows the body to distinguish between its own cells ("self") and foreign tissue ("non-self"), which is the underlying cause of graft/organ rejection. This is why tissue matching and immuno-suppressants are necessary for transplants.