You encounter a patient who can't seem to fight off infections that normal patients can. You suspect that there must be something wrong with the T-Cells. You isolate the cells from the blood, and see that they have normal functioning T-Cells. The CD8 T- cells can secrete granzymes when activated, and the CD4 T-Cells can secrete cytokines when activated. You then decide to draw blood of the patient, and see that there is a low level of cytokines present during the infection. Give 2 explanations of what you think is wrong with this patient?

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
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Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation
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**Case Study: T-Cell Function and Immunodeficiency**

*Scenario:*
You encounter a patient who can't seem to fight off infections that normal patients can. You suspect that there must be something wrong with the T-Cells. You isolate the cells from the blood, and see that they have normal functioning T-Cells. The CD8 T-cells can secrete granzymes when activated, and the CD4 T-Cells can secrete cytokines when activated. You then decide to draw blood of the patient, and see that there is a low level of cytokines present during the infection. 

*Question:*
Give 2 explanations of what you think is wrong with this patient?

*Explanations:*
1. **Cytokine Receptor Deficiency:** Even though the patient's CD4 T-Cells can secrete cytokines, there might be a problem with the cytokine receptors on the target cells. If the target cells cannot properly receive and respond to the cytokine signals due to defective or insufficient receptors, this would result in a deficient immune response despite the presence of cytokines.
   
2. **Cytokine Secretion or Signal Defect:** Another possibility is that there is a defect in the pathway of cytokine secretion or signaling. This could include issues with the T-cells' ability to secrete adequate amounts of cytokines or with molecules involved in the signaling cascade after cytokines bind to their receptors on other immune cells. Such defects can hinder the immune response, making the patient more susceptible to infections. 

Understanding these potential issues can help guide further diagnostic tests and potential treatments to correct the underlying problem.
Transcribed Image Text:**Case Study: T-Cell Function and Immunodeficiency** *Scenario:* You encounter a patient who can't seem to fight off infections that normal patients can. You suspect that there must be something wrong with the T-Cells. You isolate the cells from the blood, and see that they have normal functioning T-Cells. The CD8 T-cells can secrete granzymes when activated, and the CD4 T-Cells can secrete cytokines when activated. You then decide to draw blood of the patient, and see that there is a low level of cytokines present during the infection. *Question:* Give 2 explanations of what you think is wrong with this patient? *Explanations:* 1. **Cytokine Receptor Deficiency:** Even though the patient's CD4 T-Cells can secrete cytokines, there might be a problem with the cytokine receptors on the target cells. If the target cells cannot properly receive and respond to the cytokine signals due to defective or insufficient receptors, this would result in a deficient immune response despite the presence of cytokines. 2. **Cytokine Secretion or Signal Defect:** Another possibility is that there is a defect in the pathway of cytokine secretion or signaling. This could include issues with the T-cells' ability to secrete adequate amounts of cytokines or with molecules involved in the signaling cascade after cytokines bind to their receptors on other immune cells. Such defects can hinder the immune response, making the patient more susceptible to infections. Understanding these potential issues can help guide further diagnostic tests and potential treatments to correct the underlying problem.
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