Final answer:
The term "non-self" refers to entities that are recognized as foreign by the immune system, leading to an immune response, which in the provided options best characterizes viruses. Macrophages are an example of immune cells that can phagocytize pathogens and also promote inflammation. The concept of self versus non-self is crucial for the immune system's ability to distinguish and respond to pathogens appropriately.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the options listed, the term "non-self", which results in the production of an immune response, best characterizes viruses (option b). Healthy human cells (option a) are considered self and should not normally elicit an immune response.
Non-infected macrophages (option c) are also part of the self, functioning as immune cells that phagocytize pathogens and are not targets of the immune response. Thus, the correct answer is viruses since they are recognized by the immune system as foreign invaders.
Several cells are involved in the immune response, and one type that can both phagocytize pathogens and produce chemicals that promote inflammation is macrophages (option A from the provided reference).
Also, macrophages (option b in the review questions) are known as phagocytic cells that engulf and destroy bacteria, dead cells, and other debris. It is important to note that natural killer cells recognize and spare healthy cells presenting MHC I molecules but will target and kill infected cells that do not present MHC I appropriately.
Furthermore, the concept of self versus non-self is central to immune function, as MHC I molecules help the immune system distinguish between self and non-self.
A person incapable of producing MHC I molecules may experience issues with self-recognition, potentially leading to autoimmune diseases. Additionally, during transplant scenarios, foreign MHC I molecules on donor organs are recognized by the recipient's immune system as non-self, resulting in immune reactions.