Dendritic Cells in the Skin, Known as Langerhans Cells, Express

Multiple Choice

Dendritic cells in the skin, known as Langerhans cells, express very high levels of the NOD-like receptor, NLRP3. Previous studies showed that treatment of these cells with the Staphylococcus aureus pore-forming toxin causes K⁺ efflux from the cells. To investigate whether this signal could induce IL-1 (an inflammatory cytokine) secretion by the cells, the following study was performed:
The explanation for these results is:

A) NLRP3 is not activated by K⁺ efflux from the cells.
B) The S. aureus toxin does not kill the Langerhans cells.
C) The live S. aureus bacteria activate a TLR and NLRP3.
D) The S. aureus membrane prep does not contain a TLR ligand.
E) TLR activation by S. aureus membranes induces interferon production.