antigens Flashcards
what are antigens ?
antigens are molecules that generate an immune response
what are antigens complementary to ?
antigens are complementary to the receptors of the cells that perform an immune response i.e T helper cells
where are antigens located ?
antigens are located on the surface of all cells including cells in the human body
what are foreign antigens ?
antigens that belong to cells not usually found in the body
what do foreign antigens do ?
stimulate the immune system
what are 3 examples of things that have foreign antigens ?
-pathogens
- toxins
- cancerous cells
what kind of response is phagocytosis ?
a cellular response which is non-specific
what kind of cells are also a part of the cellular response ?
T-cells
what are T-helper cells activated by ?
T-helper cells are activated by specific antigens that are complementary to receptors
how do T- helper cells respond ?
by producing cytokines
what are cytokines ?
chemicals that activate other cells of the immune system
- which also attract cells of the immune system which increases the immune response
what is the humoral response to do with ?
antibodies
how long do B memory cells approximately last ?
5 years
explain the humoral response ?
B-cells are activated by cytokines and complementary antigens
- activated B-cells undergo mitosis and differentiation which is called clonal selection
- some B-cells become B plasma cells that make antibodies and some cells become B memory cells that last up to 5 years in the blood
where are all lymphocytes made ?
in the bone marrow