Overall our immune system protects us from foreign invaders and pathogens. Which of the following are ways in which our immune system inadvertently damages our body?

• A. Severe allergic reactions to allergens that results in anaphylactic shock.
• B. Phagocytic immune cells engulfing pathogens and releasing the dangerous pathogenic 'remains' into the body.
• C. Antibody-antigen complexes settling in the kidneys and the joints resulting in damaging inflammation.
• D. Damaging fevers, inflammation, and shock caused by excessive cytokine production in response to antigens.
• E. All of the above.

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the immune system's primary role is to protect the body from foreign invaders and pathogens. However, sometimes this system can cause harm to the body itself.
2. Recognize that severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylactic shock, occur when the immune system overreacts to harmless substances (allergens), leading to potentially life-threatening conditions.
3. Identify that phagocytic immune cells, while engulfing and destroying pathogens, can inadvertently release harmful substances into the body, causing damage to surrounding tissues.
4. Learn that antibody-antigen complexes can deposit in various parts of the body, such as the kidneys and joints, leading to inflammation and tissue damage.
5. Acknowledge that excessive cytokine production in response to antigens can result in damaging fevers, inflammation, and shock, as the immune response becomes overly aggressive.