Telomerase Activation in Autoimmune T-Helper Cells

Steps:

• Autoimmune conditions feature chronic immune activation, requiring sustained cell proliferation.
• Telomerase extends telomeres in rapidly dividing cells to prevent senescence.
• T-helper lymphocytes drive autoimmune responses through cytokine production and helper functions, activating telomerase for longevity.
• Other white blood cells lack this sustained telomerase activity in autoimmune contexts.

Why C is correct:

• T-helper lymphocytes upregulate telomerase during activation to maintain telomere length, enabling persistent proliferation in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

Why the others are wrong:

• A. Plasma cells are terminally differentiated antibody producers with minimal telomerase activity.
• B. Neutrophils are short-lived phagocytes that do not express active telomerase.
• D. Memory cells remain quiescent post-infection, lacking active telomerase until reactivation.

Final answer: C