2- Innate Immunity Flashcards
How does an exotoxin damage host tissues?
binds to a specific cell surface receptor
How does an endotoxin damage host tissues?
It stimulates phagocytes to secrete cytokines and cause local or systemic symptoms
What is the direct cytopathic effect?
Intracellular destrction by an an intracellular bacteria or virus.
What is the complement system?
The first defense against pathogens using proteins that coat and kill the bacteria.
What is the most important protein for the complement system?
C3
How is the alternative pathway activated?
Triggered by microbial surface membranes or other innate immunity components.
How is the lectin pathway activated?
Mannose-binding lectin binding to the pathogen surface.
How is the innate classical pathway activated?
CRP
How is the adaptive classical pathway activated?
By the binding of antibodies to the bacterial surfaces.
Cleavage of C3 peptide yields what 2 important complement proteins?
C3a and C3b
What is the function of C3a?
It’s an anaphylatoxin
What is the function of C3b?
It’s an opsonin
What is the function of C4b?
It’s an opsonin
What is the function of C5a?
It’s both an anaphylatoxin and chemotractant
What is the cause of hereditary angioedema?
A lack of C1 inhibitor. This allows the complement process to continuously run and causes edema in various organs and tissues.
What is the end result of the complement system?
Membrane Attack Complex (MAC)
What is the C# convertase of the alternative complement pathway?
C3bBb
Why is C3bBb the amplification step of the alternative pathway?
Since it’s the C3 convertase and bound to the surface of the pathogen, lots of C3b is made and covers the pathogen for opsonization.