Final answer:
The mismatched pair is option (f) selectins: protein ligands, because it lacks specificity compared to the precise nature of the other pairs listed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking to identify the mismatched pair out of the given options, which relate to various components of the immune system and cell adhesion mechanisms. The six options presented appear to be:
- a. MyD88: adaptor protein
- b. ICAM-1: LFA-1
- c. chemokine receptor: G protein
- d. CD14: LPS
- e. NK cells: IFN-γ
- f. selectins: protein ligands
Each of these pairs represents a component of the immune system and its associated partner or function:
- MyD88 is indeed an adaptor protein involved in signal transduction for the immune response.
- ICAM-1 is a ligand for LFA-1 (lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1), contributing to cell adhesion.
- Chemokine receptors are indeed coupled to G proteins, initiating a signaling cascade when ligands such as chemokines bind to them.
- CD14 serves as a co-receptor for the detection of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) which are components of gram-negative bacterial cell walls.
- NK cells (Natural Killer cells) do produce IFN-γ (interferon-gamma), which is a cytokine critical for innate and adaptive immunity.
- Selectins are involved in cell adhesion and do bind to protein ligands; however, within this list, it is described too vaguely in comparison to the more specifically correct pairs.
Therefore, the mismatched pair appears to be option (f) selectins: protein ligands, as it lacks specificity compared to the other pairs.