Which immune cell type is primarily affected in Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome?

Which immune cell type is primarily affected in Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome?

• A. B cells
• B. T cells
• C. Natural Killer cells
• D. Dendritic cells

Answer: (B)

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome is primarily characterized by a defect in the immune system, particularly affecting T cells. This hereditary immunodeficiency disorder is linked to mutations in the WAS gene, which is crucial for the normal function of T cells and is expressed primarily in lymphocytes. In Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, there is a marked reduction in the number and function of T cells, leading to an increased susceptibility to infections, especially from encapsulated bacteria. While B cell function can also be impacted due to the interplay between T cells and B cells in the immune response, the cornerstone of the disorder lies in the dysfunction of T cells. Dendritic cells and natural killer cells are also critical components of the immune system but are not specifically altered in Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. The focus of the disorder is distinctly on the impairment of T cell development and function, which can consequently affect the overall adaptive immune response.

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome is primarily characterized by a defect in the immune system, particularly affecting T cells. This hereditary immunodeficiency disorder is linked to mutations in the WAS gene, which is crucial for the normal function of T cells and is expressed primarily in lymphocytes.

In Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, there is a marked reduction in the number and function of T cells, leading to an increased susceptibility to infections, especially from encapsulated bacteria. While B cell function can also be impacted due to the interplay between T cells and B cells in the immune response, the cornerstone of the disorder lies in the dysfunction of T cells.

Dendritic cells and natural killer cells are also critical components of the immune system but are not specifically altered in Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. The focus of the disorder is distinctly on the impairment of T cell development and function, which can consequently affect the overall adaptive immune response.