Identify the correct statements regarding relationship between stress and immune system.
(A) The White Blood Cells within the immune system identify and destroy foreign bodies
(B) There are several kinds of red blood cells like T Cells, B Cells and natural killer cells
(C) T Cells increase immunological activity while T helper cells destroy invaders
(D) B Cells produce antibodies
(E) Immune functioning is better in individuals receiving social support
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → (A), (D), (E) Only
Psychoneuroimmunology studies how stress affects the immune system, which guards the body against attackers from within and outside.
(A) The White Blood Cells within the immune system identify and destroy foreign bodies Correct. The white blood cells (leucocytes) identify and destroy foreign bodies (antigens) such as viruses, and lead to the production of antibodies.
(B) There are several kinds of red blood cells like T Cells, B Cells and natural killer cells Incorrect. T cells, B cells and natural killer cells are kinds of white blood cells, not red blood cells.
(C) T Cells increase immunological activity while T helper cells destroy invaders Incorrect. The roles are reversed: T cells destroy invaders, and T-helper cells increase immunological activity. The T-helper cells are the ones attacked by HIV.
(D) B Cells produce antibodies Correct. B cells produce antibodies, while natural killer cells fight both viruses and tumours.
(E) Immune functioning is better in individuals receiving social support Correct. Studies reveal that immune functioning is better in individuals receiving social support, while high stress reduces natural killer cell cytotoxicity.
NCERT (2025-26): “Stress and the Immune System … Psychoneuroimmunology focuses on the links between the mind, the brain and the immune system. It studies the effects of stress on the immune system. How does the immune system work? The white blood cells (leucocytes) within the immune system identify and destroy foreign bodies (antigens) such as viruses. It also leads to the production of antibodies. There are several kinds of white blood cells or leucocytes within the immune system, including T cells, B cells and natural killer cells. T cells destroy invaders, and T-helper cells increase immunological activity. It is these T-helper cells that are attacked by the Human Immuno Deficiency Virus (HIV), the virus causing Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). B cells produce antibodies. Natural killer cells are involved in the fight against both viruses and tumours. Stress can affect natural killer cell cytotoxicity, which is of major importance in the defence against various infections and cancer. Reduced levels of natural killer cell cytotoxicity have been found in people who are highly stressed, including students facing important examinations, bereaved persons, and those who are severely depressed. Studies reveal that immune functioning is better in individuals receiving social support.…” |