Final answer:
MHC (Major Histocompatibility Complex) molecules, also known as HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen), are the proteins involved in the immune response that protrude from the cell membrane.
Step-by-step explanation:
Proteins protruding from the cell membrane of a variety of cells involved in the immune response are termed MHC (Major Histocompatibility Complex) molecules. The correct answer to the student's question is B) HLA, which stands for Human Leukocyte Antigen, a term often used interchangeably with MHC in humans. MHC molecules are crucial for the immune system to recognize foreign molecules. MHC Class I molecules (MHC I) are found on all nucleated cells and present peptides to T cells. Whereas MHC Class II molecules (MHC II) are found on antigen-presenting cells and also play a role in the immune response.