0402 Introduction to immunology Flashcards
• Gain familiarity with the components of the immune system • Understand differences between primary and secondary lymphoid organs • Gain familiarity with the processes of the immune system • Understand the differences between innate and adaptive immunity and how they interact • Have a clear idea of the difference between cellular and humoral mechanisms • Understand the role and gross anatomy of the lymphatics • Be aware of the concept of tolerance
Name the 3 components of the immune system (think broad to little)
organs and tissues, cells, molecules
Name the two categories of lymphoid organs and their constituents
Primary is where lymphpocytes are made/developed (Thymus, Bone Marrow ). Secondary are the sites where lymphocytes carrt out their actions (Lymph nodes,Tonsils,Spleen,Lymphatic Vessels,Mucosal Associated Lymphoid Tissue)
Describe the lymphatic vessel system (where it is found, how does it circulate)
The lymphatic vessel system grows from the system circulation during development and therefore closely resembles the circulation of blood vessels. It is circulated by a series of one way valves and tissue pressure
What are lymphocytes? Name the 3 types.
Lymphocytes are T cells, B cells and NK (natural killer cells). They are the dominant cells in the lymph and play keys roles in adaptive immunity (except for NK cells). They develop from lymphoid progenitor cells in the marrow
What is the original cell that differentiates into almost every cell of the immune system. Where does it come from? What are it’s 2 immune derivatives
Hematopoietic stem cells from the bone marrow. It differentiates into lymphoid progenitor cells ( B,T,NK cells) and myeloid progenitor cells (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, mast cells, monocytes
What is a lymph node? what is the importance?
Lymph nodes are secondary lymph organs which act as filters for foreign particles. They are packed tightly with lymphocytes and macrophages
What is the spleen? What is its importance?
It is a secondary lymphoid organ that breaks down old RBCs. It also contains T and B cells which carry out part of their adaptive response in the spleen and other secondary lymphoid tissues/organs
What are peyer’s patches?
There a lymph nodules located in the small intestines can the same function of lymph nodes. They filter for foreign particles and contain lymphocytes and macrophages
Name the cells of the innate immune system
Monocytes, basophils, neutrophils, eosinophils, mast cells, dendritic cells (to some extent natural killer T cells)
What are some characteristics of the innate immune system (presence, speed, recognition, changes in response, uniqueness)
The innate immune system is present in all organisms, acts fast, recognises PAMPs and DAMPs, has the same response to a foreign particle every time and is encoded in our germline (i.e. the same for everyone)
What are some characteristics of the adaptive immune system (presence, speed, recognition, changes in response, uniqueness)
The adaptive immune system is present in higher vertebrates, is slower acting than innate, recognizes anitgens, responds quicker and better with subsequent contact and is unique to each person based on their exposure.
What are PAMPs and DAMPs? Which immune system (innate or adaptive) responds to them? Which receptors are used?
PAMPs = pathogen associated molecular patterns. DAMPs = damage associated molecular patterns. The innate immune system responds to them via PRRs (pathogen recognition receptors) and TLRs (toll like receptors)
Describe the concept of tolerance. What are the two categories of tolerance and where do they occur
Tolerance is a reduce immune response to an antigen that is recognized as ‘self’. The is central tolerance (thymus or bone) and peripheral tolerance (secondary lymphoid organs)
What is an antigen?
Antigen is anything that is recognized by the immune cells and triggers antibody production
What are APC’s (antigen presenting cells)? List the APCs
APC’s digest foreign material and present broken down peptides on the MHC-II complex (major histo-compatilbility complex) on the cell surface. APCs are dendritic cells, B cells and Macrophages
