Question

Which of the following is an antimicrobial peptide synthesized by lymphocytes?

(a) adhesins

(b) condensins

(c) defensins

(d) complement

The question was posed to me during a job interview.

Question is taken from The Immune Response in chapter Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer 1

The antimicrobial peptide synthesized by lymphocytes is defensins.

Defensins are small peptides produced by various immune cells, including lymphocytes, and play a crucial role in defending the body against infections. They have antimicrobial properties and can target and disrupt the membranes of bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

Here’s a breakdown of the options:

• (a) Adhesins: These are proteins used by pathogens (such as bacteria) to attach to host cells, not antimicrobial peptides.
• (b) Condensins: These are proteins involved in chromosomal condensation during cell division, not antimicrobial peptides.
• (c) Defensins: Correct. Defensins are antimicrobial peptides produced by lymphocytes and other immune cells.
• (d) Complement: The complement system consists of proteins that assist in immune responses, but they are not antimicrobial peptides.

Correct Answer: (c) Defensins