Adaptive Immunity Flashcards
Define antigen
A molecule can combine with an antibody
What are the 3 types of antigen-recognising molecules?
Immunoglobulins, MHC molecules, T cell receptors
What can happen when an antigen binds an immunoglobulin?
They can remove the Ag, neutralise it, activate other immune-related functions, kill organisms expressing the Ag, trigger hypersensitivity reactions
What are the general characteristics that contribute to immunogenicity?
phylogenetic foreigness, chemical nature, size, dose, complexity digestibility, timing, route, and host
Where do disulfide bonds play a role in antibody structure?
They connect the light chain to the heavy chain, and the two identical sets to each other
What is the secondary structure of Ig proteins?
2 layers of antiparallel beta pleated sheets
Where does papain digest the Ig?
above the hinge. It keeps the three portions intact
Where does pepsin digest the Ig?
just below the hinge. Keeps the top portion connected and intact, but completely digests the lower portion of the H chains
Which class of Ig is found as a dimer in the secreted form?
IgA
Which class of Ig is found as a pentamer in the secreted form?
IgM
Which Igs dominate in the plasma?
IgG and IgM
Which Igs are found in ETF?
IgA and IgG
Which Ig is found in mucosal sites and breast milk?
Dimeric IgA
Which Ig is associated with mast cells?
IgE
Which Ig does the feotus receive?
IgG
