Question

What is one way an RNA virus can elude the host organism's immune system?

1) By mutating rapidly to avoid recognition by the immune system
2) By producing proteins that inhibit the immune response
3) By hiding inside host cells
4) By evading detection through antigenic variation

Answer 1

RNA viruses, such as the HIV virus, can evade the immune system through antigenic variation, where they rapidly mutate their surface proteins to prevent detection. This is possible due to the error-prone nature of their RNA polymerase enzymes that result in frequent mutations. Strategies like masking with host molecules also enable such viruses to hide from the immune system.

Step-by-step explanation:

One way an RNA virus can elude the host organism's immune system is through antigenic variation. Antigenic variation involves the virus rapidly mutating its surface proteins, which are recognized by the immune system as antigens, to avoid detection and destruction. The HIV virus, a type of RNA virus, is a prime example of this strategy, as it constantly changes its viral envelope proteins, rendering the adaptive immune response less effective.

Furthermore, by integrating themselves within a host cell and masking their antigens with host molecules, RNA viruses can hide from the immune system, a tactic also utilized by HIV. These strategies contribute to the challenges in developing effective vaccines and treatments for diseases caused by RNA viruses like hepatitis C, influenza, and measles.