SBA — Single Best Answer · Review
Question 617
Immunology → General
Classification
Question
SSBAQuestion Header
A person is exposed for a second time to an antigen that previously produced an immune response. Which feature is most characteristic of the secondary immune response?
Question Stem
Select the single best answer.
Options
A
It depends exclusively on innate immunity.
B
It is slower and less pronounced than the primary response.
C
It is faster and more pronounced than the primary response.
D
It occurs without lymphocyte involvement.
E
It cannot involve cell-mediated immunity.
Explanation
A secondary immune response following repeat antigen exposure is faster and more pronounced than the primary response. This applies to the acquired immune response, including cell-mediated immunity.
Option Validity
A) Primary and secondary immune responses are features of acquired immunity rather than exclusively innate immunity.
B) The secondary response is faster and more pronounced, not slower and weaker.
D) Acquired immune responses involve lymphocytes.
E) Cell-mediated immunity can demonstrate a secondary response.
Further Reading
Saxena MRCOG-1 Basic Sciences — Immunology: Immune Response, printed page 208.