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Question #46524
The Question
A patient with a long-standing history of severe pollen allergy is diagnosed with advanced HIV infection (AIDS). Paradoxically, the physician notes that the patient's seasonal allergic symptoms have completely disappeared. Based on the cellular pathogenesis of HIV, which of the following best explains this remission?
Options
- A.
HIV directly infects and destroys mast cells, preventing the release of histamine and serotonin.
- B.
Severe depletion of Helper T-cells abolishes the signaling required for B-cells to produce allergen-specific IgE.
- C.
The virus induces a massive proliferation of Cytotoxic T-cells, which phagocytose the allergens.
- D.
HIV-infected macrophages fail to present the pollen antigen to Cytotoxic T-cells, preventing inflammation.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
IgE|CD4_T-Cells|HIV|Plasma_Cells
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often fail to connect the dependency of an 'overactive' immune response (allergy) on the foundational cells of the adaptive immune system (Helper T-cells).
The trap is assuming HIV destroys all WBCs indiscriminately (like mast cells) or forgetting that IgE production by B-cells is entirely T-cell dependent.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Human Health and Disease - Class 12 |
| Concept | Allergy Mechanism |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |