I wanna kms Flashcards
What is an allergen?
An allergen is a typically harmless substance that triggers an exaggerated immune response in some individuals.
Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, and certain foods.
How is an allergen different from an antigen?
An antigen is any substance that triggers an immune response, but allergens specifically cause hypersensitivity reactions.
While all allergens are antigens, not all antigens are allergens.
What role do mast cells play in allergies?
Mast cells release histamine and other chemicals during an allergic reaction.
Histamine release leads to symptoms such as itching and swelling.
What do IgE antibodies do in allergic reactions?
IgE antibodies bind to allergens and trigger mast cell activation.
This activation leads to the release of inflammatory mediators.
What is an anaphylactic reaction?
A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction causing airway constriction, a drop in blood pressure, and shock.
What is the function of antihistamines?
Antihistamines block histamine receptors.
What does epinephrine (EpiPen) do?
Epinephrine counteracts anaphylaxis by relaxing airway muscles and constricting blood vessels.
What is an autoimmune disease?
A condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.
How does the body carry out an autoimmune attack in Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
T cells target myelin, the protective sheath around nerve fibers, leading to nerve damage.
Which immune cells are abnormally active in MS?
T cells, B cells, and macrophages.
What are common symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis?
Muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, and coordination issues.
What are Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs) for MS?
Treatments that slow progression, such as interferons.
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks joint linings, causing inflammation, pain, and damage.
What immune cells are involved in rheumatoid arthritis?
T cells, B cells, and inflammatory cytokines.
List symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Swollen joints
- Painful joints
- Stiffness
What are DMARDs?
Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs that slow joint damage.
What is HIV?
A virus that targets the immune system, leading to AIDS, a condition of severe immune suppression.
Which immune cell does HIV target?
CD4+ T cells.
What are the implications for HIV patients?
They become vulnerable to opportunistic infections and cancers.
What is antiretroviral therapy (ART)?
A treatment that suppresses viral replication in HIV patients.
What are MHC proteins?
Proteins that recognize body cells.
What are HLA proteins?
Proteins that recognize macrophages and B cells.
What are the types of transplants?
- Organ (e.g., kidney, liver)
- Tissue
- Bone marrow
What occurs during transplant rejection?
The immune system attacks the transplanted tissue.
What are immunosuppressive drugs?
Medications like cyclosporine used to reduce the immune response in transplant patients.
What organ is affected in Type I Diabetes Mellitus?
The pancreas.
What is the role of insulin?
Insulin regulates blood sugar by enabling glucose uptake by cells.
What makes Type I Diabetes autoimmune?
T cells attack insulin-producing beta cells.
What does life with Type 1 diabetes require?
Insulin therapy, monitoring blood glucose, and lifestyle adjustments.
What is cancer?
Uncontrolled cell growth forming malignant tumors.
How does the immune system relate to cancer?
The immune system often fails to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
What are natural killer cells?
Specialized immune cells that target and destroy abnormal cells.
What are monoclonal antibodies used for in cancer treatment?
Engineered antibodies that target specific cancer cells or deliver drugs to tumors.
What gland is affected in Grave’s Disease?
The thyroid gland.
What hormones are involved in Grave’s Disease?
Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4).
What makes Grave’s Disease autoimmune?
Antibodies stimulate the thyroid, leading to overproduction of hormones.
What does life with Grave’s disease require?
Medication, radioactive iodine, or surgery to manage symptoms.
What is leukemia?
A cancer of blood-forming tissues, leading to abnormal white blood cells.
What are granulocytes?
A type of white blood cell involved in immune defense.
List the types of leukemia and the cells they affect.
- ALL (Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia): Affects lymphocytes
- CLL (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia): Affects mature lymphocytes
- AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia): Affects myeloid cells
- CML (Chronic Myeloid Leukemia): Affects myeloid cells gradually
What are common treatments for leukemia?
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Bone marrow transplants
