Final answer:
TLR-3 is a protein that recognizes double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), a molecular pattern often associated with RNA viral pathogens, and is part of the immune system's ability to distinguish between self and non-self entities.D is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has asked about the specific function of TLR-3 within the immune system. TLR-3 is a protein that plays a crucial role in the body's immune response by recognizing specific molecules indicative of pathogenic presence.
In this context, TLR-3 recognizes double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), which is often a molecular pattern associated with viral pathogens, particularly those of the RNA virus category. Identifying the correct function of TLR-3 is important for understanding how the immune system discriminates between self and non-self as well as how it triggers an appropriate response.
Among the listed options, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and flagellin are recognized by other Toll-like receptors, not TLR-3, and single-stranded RNA is typically recognized by different sensors within the immune system. .