Host-Microbe Interaction Flashcards
Initial immune protection is provided by what?
Physical barriers
What are the two main components of the immune system?
Innate (phagocytes / NK cells)
Acquired/adaptive (B cells / T cells)
Bacteria are controlled by what immune cells?
Phagocytes
B lymphocytes and antibodies
Complement
Fungi are controlled by what types of immune cells?
Phagocytes
T-lymphocytes
Eosinophils
Viruses are controlled by what types of immune cells?
T and B lymphocytes
Protozoa are controlled by what groups of immune cells?
T lymphocytes
Eosinophils
Worms are controlled by what 2 types of immune cell?
Mast cell
Eosinophils
What properties does the skin have which make it suitable as a physical barrier to infection?
Keratinocytes secrete antimicrobial peptides (defensins)
Sweat glands secrete microbe-inhibiting substances (e.g. fatty acids)
Antigen-presenting cells in skin
The mucous membranes of the Respiratory/GI/GU tracts contain which properties that make them suitable physical barriers to infection?
Antimicrobials e.g. lysozyme
IgA
Gastric acid
What disease processes can cause the skin to be an impaired physical barrier to infection?
- Eczema, psoriasis, erythroderma
- Tinea pedis / cracking of skin
- Ulcers / pressure sores
What lung diseases can impact the efficiency of the respiratory tract mucous as a physical barrier to infection?
- Cystic fibrosis / Bronchiectasis (impaired mucus clearance)
- COPD
- Poor swallow (neurological illness, e.g. stroke)
What diseases can affect the ability of the GI tract mucosa to be a suitable physical barrier to infection?
- Mucositis secondary to chemotherapy
- IBD
- Bowel cancer
What WBCs are the main types of phagocyte?
Neutrophils and macrophages
In what conditions would a patient be deficient in phagocytes?
- Haematological malignancy (e.g. acute leukaemia)
- Cytotoxic chemotherapy
Describe the difference between CD4 and CD8 T cells
CD4 activate phagocytes to kill pathogen
CD8 Directly kill pathogen