1 Introduction

Question 1

Immunity

Answer 1

protection from infectious diseases

Question 2

Immunology

Answer 2

study of immunity and the cellular/molecular events after their contact with foreign molecules

Question 3

immune system

Answer 3

cells and molecules responsible for immunity

Question 4

immune response

Answer 4

coordinated response by the immune system against foreign substances

Question 5

immunization

Answer 5

induction of immunity by vaccination

Question 6

Purpose of the immune reaction

Answer 6

Defence against pathogens (infectious disease)

Human body is good environment for parasitic microorganisms - viruses, bacteria and parasites

Question 7

immune system tasks

Answer 7

recognition
containment
regulation
memory

Question 8

recognition

Answer 8

presence of an infection must be detected (WBC and lymphocytes)

Question 9

containment

Answer 9

Infection must be contained or better, eliminated. (complement system, antibodies, phagocytosis, destruction by lymphocytes)

Question 10

regulation

Answer 10

ability to self-regulate to avoid damage to the body. Absence of regulation: allergies and autoimmunity diseases

Question 11

memory

Answer 11

Once exposed to infectious agent, be able to set an immediate and stronger response

Question 12

Main features of the immune system

Answer 12

specificity
memory
diversity
self-discrimination

Question 13

specificity

Answer 13

each response is unique to a particular antigenic determinant or epitope

Question 14

memory

Answer 14

immune system learns or remembers previous experiences

Question 15

diversity

Answer 15

immune response against a various of different organisms is (within limits) genetically determined. Specificity exists as the immune system uses a repertoire that is able to distinguish subtle differences in structure between distinct antigens.

Question 16

self-discrimination

Answer 16

distinguish nonself from self, between tolerance to self and response/rejection of nonself. Imbalance = autoimmune diseases

Question 17

bacteria extracellular examples

Answer 17

Streptococci, Pneumococci, Neisseria gonorrhoea

Question 18

Bacteria – intracellular

Answer 18

Listeria, Brucella

Question 19

Parasites – extracellular

Answer 19

Amoebiasis, Filariasis

Question 20

Parasites – intracellular

Answer 20

malaria

Question 21

Fungi – extracellular

Answer 21

Histoplasma, Candida

Question 22

The ‘cost’ of such a fine-tuned system

Answer 22

• Overreaction: allergies and autoimmune diseases

- Exposure of weak points: Immune deficiency disorders and diseases that attack key components (lymphocytes)