Question

Antigens that do not require the involvement of T-cells for the activation of B-cells are _____________________

(a) thymus-dependent

(b) thymus-independent

(c) intracellular pathogens

(d) facultative anaerobes

I had been asked this question in an online interview.

This interesting question is from Immune Response topic in section Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer 1

Correct option is (b) thymus-independent

To elaborate: T-cells are usually involved in the process of activation of B-cells and subsequent production of a single type of antibody. Few antigens such as polysaccharides of bacterial cell walls do not require the involvement of T-cells and therefore termed thymus-independent antigens.