GI Immunology Flashcards
What are the major components of the innate immune system?
- Cells (macrophages, dendritic etc)
- Complement components
- Cyotkines
- Antimicrobial peptides
- PRR (Patter Recognition Receptors)
What do PRRs recognise?
Pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) but also Danger associated molecular patterns (DAMPs)
What are the 2 groups of PRRs?
- Cell surface (transmembrane) and intracellular receptors - TLRs, NLRs, RLRs and CLRs
- Fluid-phase soluble molecules
What are NK-T cells?
Lymphocytes with both T cell and NK surface markers that recognise lipid antigens of intracellular bacteria such as M. tuberculosis by CD1 molecules and kill host cells infected with intracellular bacteria.
Job of NK cells?
Kill foreign and host cells that have low levels of MHC+ self peptides. Express NK receptors that inhibit NK function in the presence of high expression of self-MHC
What is the adaptive immune response?
Evolution in response to changing pathogen structures
Adaptive immune system utilises existing systems to generate DIVERSITY of antigen receptors
What is the central feature of the adaptive immune system?
- Unique antigen receptor found on each lymphocyte
- In response to infection this lymphocyte undergoes CLONAL expansion
Is the adaptive immune system specific?
High degree of specificity
What receptors are involved in the adaptive immune system?
- B cell antigen receptors (immunoglobulin)
- T cell antigen receptor
Describe the method of antigen presenting
- Antigens are internalised
- Broken down to peptides
- Peptides associate with newly synthesised Class 2 molecules and brought to cell surface
- If peptides are foreign, they are recognised by T helper cells that are then activated
- T helper cells produce cytokines needed by B cells, T cells etc
What do T cells recognise?
T-cells recognise epitopes
presented via MHC molecules by professional Antigen Presenting Cells (APCs)
What is humoral immunity?
Antibody-related
What are the different types of T cells?
- Killer or cytotoxic T cells
- T helper cells
- Suppressor T cells
What are T helper cells also known as?
CD4+
What are killer T cells also known as?
CD8+
What is function of killer T cells?
Kill pathogens
What is the function of T helper cells?
- Secrete cytokines which control immune response
- Active B cells and T cells
(Are target of HIV)
What is function of suppressor T cells?
Dampen down immune response
Where is the major site of contact in the body for foreign antigens?
The gut
What is the first line of defence in the gut?
Mucosal surface - separate the external environment from the internal sterile environment and therefore represent the first line of defence
What different responses may various antigens require?
- Ignorance/tolerance (active suppression)
- Robust protective immune response
Gut immune system is capable of both of these things
What are the innate defences of the gut immune system?
- Commensal bacterial flora
- Epithelial barrier
- Biochemical factors produced by epithelial cells
What are the specific defences of the gut immune system?
Lymphoid tissue associated with mucosal surfaces [Gut associated lymphoid tissue; GALT]
What is ‘commensal’?
Living together in non-harmful coexistence
What is the optimum gut flora balance?
Beneficial bacteria should predominate and present a barrier to invading organisms
What can upset gut flora balance?
Age, illness, antibiotics etc