Final answer:
Natural killer cells use MHC class I molecules directly in their defense strategy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The innate immune system component that uses MHC class I molecules directly in its defense strategy is Natural killer cells. MHC class I molecules display fragments of proteins called antigens that are derived from within the cell. When a natural killer cell encounters a cell displaying abnormal or foreign antigens, it recognizes these antigens through their interaction with MHC class I molecules on the surface of the target cell and can initiate a response to destroy the target cell.