B Cell Block Flashcards
What are antibodies?
Glycoproteins that specifically bind target antigens, present in body fluids and external secretions but can also be found on specialised cells (e.g. IgE bound to mast cells)
What is an antigen?
Molecules that induce an immune response through the activation of antigen specific B lymphocytes and/or T lymphocytes
What is an epitope (antigenic determinant)?
The molecular structure recognised by the binding site of an antibody molecule or a T cell receptor
How many classes of human immunoglobulin are there?
5
What are the 5 classes of human immunoglobulin?
IgM, IgMG, IgA, IgD, IgE
What are the different classes of Ig defined by?
structure of the constant region of their heavy chains, which in turn determines function
How many subclasses of IgG are there?
4 - IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4
How many subclasses of IgA are there?
2 - IgA1, IgA2
On which chromosome are the genes encoding for the heavy chains of Ig located?
Chromosome 14
Structure of IgM
Heavy chain comprised of 4 constant domains
Expressed as a monomeric transmembrane molecule on B cells
Secreted by plasma cells as a pentamer (polymerisation facilitated by inclusion of J chain, a polypeptide produced within the plasma cell)
Structure of IgA
Heavy chains comprised of 3 constant domains
IgA1 has an extended, highly glycosylated hinge region
IgA present in plasma results from production in bone marrow, monomeric
IgA present in external secretions a product of the local immune system and is produced by plasma cells a dimer (includes a J chain)
How is secretory IgA formed? What is the process called?
- Dimeric IgA binds to poly-Ig receptor on the basal surface of epithelial cells
- Complex is transported to the apical surface where the receptor is cleaved to release the IgA dimer attached to a portion of a receptor (“secretory piece”)
Process called ‘transcytosis’
Structure of IgE
Heavy chain comprised of 4 constant domains
Structure of IgD
Heavy chain comprised of 3 constant domains and an extended, glycosylated hinge region
Expressed as a transmembrane receptor molecule on the surface of mature B cells
What does the Fc region do?
Mediate the effector functions of antibody - acts as a target for Fc receptor of phagocytes
What are the 6 functions of antibodies?
- Opsonisation
- Neutralisation
- Precipitation (immune complex formation)
- Complement activation
- Direct cell activation by Fc receptors - phagocytes, mast cells
- Antibody dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity (NK cell activation)
What is opsonisation?
Process by which a pathogen is marked or highlighted for ingestion and removal by a phagocyte
What does opsonisation involve?
Binding of an opsonin (eg antibody) to an antigen or pathogen which then attracts phagocytes
What does antibody/Fc receptor binding on phagocytes result in?
Facilitates phagocytosis
Activates important components of the complement system such as C3b and C4b (more opsonisation)
What is the name of the process where antibody can block internalisation of toxins/virus by blocking binding to virus receptor?
Neutralisation
What is the other way of neutralising viruses?
Antibodies can bind to the viral envelope proteins that allow docking and entry into their host cell
What is the name of the complex lattice work o antigen & immunoglobulin?
Immune complex
What do immune complexes do to provide protection?
Limit diffusion of the antigen molecules
What is precipitation of protein/antibodies?
-
What is agglutination?
-
Which pathway of complement system is activated by antibodies?
Classical pathway
What are the two immunoglobulins that cause complement activation on binding to microbial surfaces?
IgM (pentamer)
>2 IgG molecules
How do antibodies cause direct cellular activation?
Fc receptors on cells can trigger specific functions
e.g. IgE triggers mast cell activation through the high affinity Fc epsilon receptor 1 (FceR1) in allergic reactions
What does ADCC stand for?
Antibody Dependent Cell-mediated Cytotoxicity
Which cells re involved in ADCC?
Effector cells of the innate immune system - NK cells, monocytes, macrophages, eosinophils
What is the consequence of ADCC?
Lysis of the cell being opsonised by specific antibodies
Which portion of the antibody is recognised by what receptor on the effector cell?
Fc portion of the antibody recognised by Fc receptor of an effector cell
What do NK cells release on binding to antibody?
Cytokines such as interferon (IFN)
How do cytokines help in the immune response?
They attract and activate phagocytes, and cytotoxic granules containing perforin and granzymes
What is anti-helminth immunity an example of?
ADCC
Which type of antibody recognises the antigens on the parasites (helminth)?
IgE
What receptor of an eosinophil binds the IgE in anti-helminth immunity?
Fc receptor (FceR1)