Inflammation: macrophage activation: 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 · Inflammation: macrophage activation

Sample item

Which cytokine is most important for classical activation of macrophages by T helper 1 cells?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Interferon-gamma

Interferon-gamma activates macrophages through the classical microbicidal pathway and is central to granulomatous immunity. IL-4 and IL-13 favor alternative activation and tissue repair.

Option by option

  • A. Interferon-gamma (correct)

    Correct. IFN-gamma drives classical macrophage activation.

  • B. Interleukin-5

    IL-5 promotes eosinophil growth and activation.

  • C. Interleukin-10

    IL-10 is anti-inflammatory.

  • D. Transforming growth factor-beta

    TGF-beta promotes fibrosis and immune regulation.

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.

More Pathology questions

Questions about this Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is A, Interferon-gamma. Interferon-gamma activates macrophages through the classical microbicidal pathway and is central to granulomatous immunity.

Why is "Interleukin-5" not the answer?

IL-5 promotes eosinophil growth and activation.

Why is "Interleukin-10" not the answer?

IL-10 is anti-inflammatory.

Why is "Transforming growth factor-beta" not the answer?

TGF-beta promotes fibrosis and immune regulation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Inflammation: macrophage activation in Pathology. IL-4 and IL-13 favor alternative activation and tissue repair.

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 Inflammation: macrophage activation?

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.