Cells - Cell recognition and the immune system - 3.2.4.4 - Humoral Immunity Flashcards

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1
Q

What is meant by ‘humoral immunity’?

A

An immune response that involves the destruction of pathogens using antibodies.

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2
Q

How many different types of B-lymphocytes exist in the body?

A

10 million (approx) - each one has different shaped receptors that bind to specific antigens.

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3
Q

B-lymphocytes can develop into which type of cells after an immune response?

A

Plasma cells

Memory cells

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4
Q

Plasma cells develop from B-lymphocytes. What is their function?

A

They produce antibodies to destroy pathogens.

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5
Q

Memory cells can develop from B-lymphocytes. What is their function?

A

They are responsible for the secondary immune response.

If they encounter the same pathogen again they multiply rapidly and develop into plasma cells, which produce antibodies.

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6
Q

Describe the process of humoral immunity.

A
  1. Foreign antigen enters blood, initiating an immune response.
  2. A specific B-lymphocyte engulfs forein antigen via endocytosis and presents foreign antigens on its cell surface membrane.
  3. Th cell binds to and stimulates specfic B-lymphocyte to undergo mitosis (clonal selection).
  4. Cloned B-lymphocytes develop into plasma cells that produce monoclonal antibodies (primary response).
  5. Some B-lymphocytes become memory cells that circulate blood ready to develop into plasma cells upon a recurring infection (secondary response).
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7
Q

Describe how the presentation of a viral antigen leads to the secretion of antibody against viral antigens

A

T cells bind to the antigen (on APC)

T cells are activated in to T helper cells

T helper cells stimulate SPECIFIC B cells

B cells stimulated to divide by mitosis (clonal selection)

Forms plasma cells which release antibodies

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8
Q

What makes all antibodies unqiue?

A

Specific tertiary structure

Variable region will ONLY bind/complementary to one antigen

only forms antigen-antibody specific complexes with specific antigens

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9
Q

How is a secondary immune response different to a primary response

A

Secondary is

FASTER

GREATER concentration in antibodies produced

No LAG/Delay in antibody production

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10
Q

How is passive immunity different to active immunity

A

Passive is

QUICKER

No MEMORY cells produced

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