Immunopathology: systemic lupus erythematosus: practice question

A Pathology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pathology · Immunopathology: systemic lupus erythematosus

Sample item

Glomerulonephritis in systemic lupus erythematosus is classically caused by which hypersensitivity mechanism?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Immune-complex deposition

SLE is predominantly a type III hypersensitivity disease: circulating antigen-antibody complexes deposit in tissues and activate complement, causing inflammation and injury.

Option by option

  • A. T-cell cytotoxicity alone

    T cells contribute but do not explain the classic immune-complex nephritis.

  • B. Direct antibody-mediated receptor stimulation

    Receptor stimulation is a type II mechanism, as in Graves disease.

  • C. IgE-mediated mast-cell activation

    IgE-mediated reactions are type I hypersensitivity.

  • D. Immune-complex deposition (correct)

    Correct. Immune complexes drive lupus nephritis.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is D, Immune-complex deposition. SLE is predominantly a type III hypersensitivity disease: circulating antigen-antibody complexes deposit in tissues and activate complement, causing inflammation and injury.

Why is "T-cell cytotoxicity alone" not the answer?

T cells contribute but do not explain the classic immune-complex nephritis.

Why is "Direct antibody-mediated receptor stimulation" not the answer?

Receptor stimulation is a type II mechanism, as in Graves disease.

Why is "IgE-mediated mast-cell activation" not the answer?

IgE-mediated reactions are type I hypersensitivity.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Immunopathology: systemic lupus erythematosus in Pathology. The correct option holds because: Correct. Immune complexes drive lupus nephritis.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Immunopathology: systemic lupus erythematosus?

Learn each disease as a bundle: cause, key histology, markers, and the clinical hallmark. Then use the flashcards and the other Pathology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.