Question

Which of the following cells is the precursor for the antigen presenting cells?
(A) Stem cells
(B) Monocytes
(C) Lymphocytes
(D) None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: APCs or antigen-presenting cells are the class of immune cells that are heterogeneous in nature. These cells represent antigen for the recognition of mainly T cells. Several cellular immune responses are mediated by the action of these cells.

Complete step by step answer:
Let’s discuss the alternatives and find the correct answer.
- Stem cells: stem cells that are hematopoietic in nature are mainly found in the bone marrow, cord blood, or peripheral blood. They have the capability of self-renewing and they can be divided into many blood cells that have come from myeloid or lymphoid cells. These cells are multipotent in nature and can represent antigens.
- Monocytes: In between five white blood cells, a monocyte is the largest white blood cell or leukocyte. They are divided into macrophages and dendritic cells which are the lineage of myeloid cells. The adaptive immunity process is influenced by the action of monocyte cells.
- Lymphocytes: Lymphocyte cells are also a part of leukocyte or white blood cells that acts as an immune booster in our body. They are mainly formed from bone marrow and noticed in lymph or blood tissues. Immune cells are considered as the complex network of the immune system that holds lymphocyte cells.
Hence Option A: Stem cells is the correct answer.

Note: Besides stem cells, dendritic cells, B-lymphocytes, and macrophages comes under the group of antigen presenting cells. Antigen- presenting cells play a pivotal role in adaptive immunity and are effective in both helper and cytotoxic T cells.