Clinical Immunology Flashcards
What are the most competent phagocytes found in the human body?
neutrophils (most abundant type of WBCs); formed from stem cells of bone marrow; short lived and highly motile; one of the “first responders” of inflammatory cells to migrate towards the site of inflammation; recruited to the site of injury within minutes of trauma… they are the hallmarks of acute inflammation
What is a leukemoid reaction?
describes an elevation in WBC count, or leukocytosis….physiological response to stress or infection
What is another name for leukemoid reaction?
margination: movement of leukocytes out of circulation towards the site of infection
Describe the process of a phagocyte (neutrophil) from circulation to movement to the inflamed area?
phagocytes in circulation undergo margination (movement from circulation to the site of inflammation)… then diapedesis (the entire process of blood vessel escape)… then exudation into the inflamed tissue
What is the difference in innate and adaptive immunity?
Innate is what you’re born with….. ability to ward off infections… comes from maternal to fetal circulation and from other antibodies found in breast milk
Adaptive is developed after exposure to a foreign body…. lymphocytes get activated and you produce antibodies
The innate immune system, also known as non-specific immune system and first line of defense,[1] comprises the cells and mechanisms that defend the host from infection by other organisms in a non-specific manner. This means that the cells of the innate system recognize and respond to pathogens in a generic way, but unlike the adaptive immune system (which is only found in vertebrates), it does not confer long-lasting or protective immunity to the host.[2] Innate immune systems provide immediate defense against infection, and are found in all classes of plant and animal life.
What immune system will respond to pathogens and organisms as a first line of defense in a generic way?
innate
What type of immune system will confer long-lasting or protective immunity to the host?
adaptive
What is the complement system?
a biochemical cascade of the immune system that complements or “helps” the ability of antibodies to clear pathogens or mark them for destruction by other cells
cascade is composed of plasma proteins, synthesized in the liver, primarily by hepatocytes
What is the adaptive immune system?
The adaptive immune system, also known as the acquired immune system or, more rarely, as the specific immune system, is composed of highly specialized, systemic cells and processes that eliminate or prevent pathogen growth. One of the two main immunity strategies found in vertebrates (the other being innate immunity), acquired immunity creates immunological memory after an initial response to a specific pathogen, leading to an enhanced response to subsequent encounters with that same pathogen. This process of acquired immunity is the basis of vaccination.
The immune system that is very specific, has a slow response, and is based on “memory” is called __________.
adaptive
The immune system that is non-specific, has a fast response (minutes), and no “memory” is called ______.
innate
Describe the primary and secondary response after exposure of an antigen.
IgM (basic antibody produced by B cells) is the LARGEST antibody in circulation and is the first to appear in an initial response to an antigen; the spleen is the major site of IgM production….. they reappear with subsequent exposure, but to a lesser extent…. IgG (a protein complex composed of 4 peptide chains): each IgG has 2 antigen binding sites…. it represent approx 75% of serum immnoglobulins in humans….it is the most ABUNDANT antibody in circulation… they are synthesized and secreted by plasma B cells… binds to many kinds of pathogens protecting the body from infection…. it represent maturation of the body’s immune response so it is involved in the secondary response… appears within 24-48 hours after antigenic stimulation
Which antibody is associated with type II and III hypersensitivity reactions?
IgG
What is the only antibody isotype that has receptors to facilitate passage through the human placenta, thereby providing protection to the fetus in utero?
IgG
What are the primary antibodies transmitted to a baby during breastfeeding?
Along with IgA secreted in the breast milk, residual IgG absorbed through the placenta provides the neonate with humoral immunity before its own immune system develops. Colostrum contains a high percentage of IgG, especially bovine colostrum. In individuals with prior immunity to a pathogen, IgG appears about 24–48 hours after antigenic stimulation.
