1-intro to immunology

Question 1

What is immunology?

Answer 1

-Immunology is the study of the body’s defense mechanisms against infections.
-The immune system is highly adaptable, capable of responding to diverse invaders.
-Historical observations of immunity date back over 2000 years, such as the Athenian plague survivors who became resistant.

Question 2

what does vaccine do to immune response? & example

Answer 2

Vaccination prepare immune response without causing disease by preparing the immune system to combat infectious agents.
-example: rabies vaccine and the eradication of smallpox.

Question 3

A properly functioning immune system differentiates between …

Answer 3

-between: Self vs. Non-Self.
-between Dangerous vs. Safe Non-Self

Question 4

A dysregulated immune system

Answer 4

• might respond to safe non-self
  -might response to self (autoimmune disorder)

Question 5

A properly functioning immune system mount response to …

Answer 5

-it will mount response against non-self (pathogen), but avoid attacking self-proteins
-it will mount response to dangerous non-self (pathogenic bacteria)
-it wont respond to safe-nonself (commensal gut bacteria or pets)