Antibodies and Immunity Flashcards
Antigen
A foreign substance that can stimulate the production of antibodies
Immunogen
A large organic molecule that is a protein or large polysaccharide that can elicit an immune response
Immunogenicity
The ability of a substance to provoke an immune response in the body
Antigenicity
The ability of an antigen to stimulate an immune response
Hapten
A very small molecule that can bind to a larger carrier molecule and behave as an antigen
Carrier
A molecule that when coupled to a hapten makes the hapten capable of stimulating an immune response
Antigenic determinant
The functional portion of an antigen that combines with an antibody paratope
Epitope
A single antigenic determinant
Adjuvant
A substance that enhances the effect of an antigen when the substance is given along with the antigen
Antibody
Immunoglobulins produced in response to an antigen
Immunoglobulin
Protein produced by the immune system; also known as antibodies
Paratope
The region on an antibody that binds to the epitope of the antigen
Fab fragment
Fragment with the ability to bind to antigens that are made up of one constant and one variable domain
Fc fragment
The tail region of antibody that interacts with cell surface receptors and some proteins of the complement system
Light chain
One of the two smaller polypeptide subunits that make up an antibody molecule. It combines with a heavy chain to form the antigen-bind site of an immunoglobulin
Heavy chain
One of the polypeptide units of an immunoglobulin molecule. Each monomer consists of two heavy chains paired with two light chains
Constant region
A portion of an antibody molecule that remains consistent within each Ig class. Determines antibody function
Variable region
The part of an antibody molecule that varies between different antibodies. Recognizes and binds to specific antigens
J chain
A polypeptide that joins together Ig molecules
C-reactive protein
A nonspecific, acute-phase, reactant glycoprotein. High levels indicate inflammation
Natural immunity
The body’s inherent ability to resist pathogens and diseases without prior exposure or vaccination
Acquired immunity
The adaptive immune response develops after exposure to a specific antigen through infection or vaccination. Involves the production of antibodies and memory cells
Active immunity
A type of acquired immunity is when the body’s immune system produces its antibodies in response to exposure to a pathogen or vaccine
Passive immunity
A type of acquired immunity where antibodies are transferred from one individual to another
Cellular immunity
A type of immune response that involves the direct action of immune cells mediated by T lymphocytes
Humoral immunity
A type of immune response that involves the production of antibodies by B lymphocytes
What are the five Ig classes?
IgM, IgG, IgA, IgE, IgD
80% of the total Ig concentration in normal serum is of?
IgG
What are the four subclasses of IgG?
IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4
IgA is the predominant antibody in?
Body secretions
IgG is the only antibody that can cross the?
Placenta
IgA is found as a?
Dimer with a J chain
What protects the J chain and IgA from digestion in the lumen?
Secretory component
Which is the first Ig to respond during an immune response and is considered the most efficient?
IgM
IgM is found as a?
Pentamer with J chain
Which Ig is associated with hypersensitivity reactions and parasites?
IgE
The primary immune response occurs?
When the body encounters an antigen for the first time
True or false? The primary immune response fast to develop
False. The primary immune response is slower to develop
Which antibody does the primary immune response mainly produce?
IgM
The primary immune response generates what?
Memory cells
When does the secondary immune response occur?
When the body encounters an antigen that was previously encountered
The secondary immune response is faster to respond. True or false?
True
The secondary immune response produces which Ig primarily?
IgG
