Which of the following allows a limited range of immune cells to detect and respond rapidly to a wide range of pathogens that share common structures?

Natural killer (NK) cells are large granular lymphocytes that are capable of destroying cells infected by viruses or bacteria and susceptible tumor cells without prior sensitization and restriction by MHC antigens.

Helper T cells (choice A) are a type of white blood cell that helps other immune cells respond to infections but do not directly kill infected or tumor cells.

B cells (choice B) are a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies to fight infections but do not directly kill infected or tumor cells.

Cytotoxic T cells (choice D) are a type of white blood cell that can kill infected or tumor cells but require prior sensitization to do so.

Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are a class of receptors that can directly recognize the specific molecular structures on the surface of pathogens.

PRRs play a crucial role in the proper function of the innate immune system and are germline-encoded host sensors, which detect molecules typical for the pathogens.

Choice B is incorrect because cytokines are not receptors but rather signaling molecules that regulate immunity.

Choice C is incorrect because chemokines are not receptors but rather signaling molecules that attract immune cells to sites of infection.

Choice D is incorrect because T cells are not receptors but rather white blood cells that assist B cells or directly kill infected cells.