Macrophages may be unable to digest the pathogens they phagocytize.If so,the pathogen can still be prevented from affecting healthy tissues by
A) transferring the pathogen to an NK cell.
B) releasing the pathogen after having added additional antigen to its surface.
C) producing internal antibodies that mark the pathogen for destruction by complement.
D) encapsulation within the macrophage cytoplasm.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If macrophages cannot digest pathogens they phagocytize, they can still prevent the pathogen from affecting healthy tissues by encapsulating it within their cytoplasm. This prevents the pathogen from replicating and spreading to other cells in the body. Eventually, the macrophage may be able to digest the pathogen or it may release it for destruction by other immune cells. Options A, B, and C do not accurately describe how macrophages prevent the spread of pathogens they cannot digest.

Macrophages May Be Unable to Digest the Pathogens They Phagocytize