IM2: Oral Immunity Flashcards
Give examples of some systemic diseases that can lead to oral infections (6)
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Food allergy
- Sjögrens Syndrome
- AIDS
- Alzheimer’s disease
Roughly how much bacteria is found in the oral microbiome? How many different species are there?
- 6 billion bacteria
- 700 different species
What substances may be found in the perimeter region of the oral microbiome? (4)
- CO2
- Lactate
- Acetate
- H202
What external environmental factors may interact with the perimeter region of the oral microbiome? (3)
- O2
- Saliva
- Sugars
What external environmental factor may interact with the base and annulus region of the oral microbiome?
Crevicular fluid
What are the 2 mucosal defence mechanisms?
- Saliva
- Crevicular fluid
What are the 4 physical barriers involved in oral immunity?
- Mucus coating layer
- Epithelial physical barrier
- Saliva
- Gingival crevicular fluid
What produces the mucus coating layer?
Salivary glands
What makes the mucus coating layer viscous?
Viscous properties due to mucin content
What compounds are produced by the epithelial physical barrier? (3)
- Calprotectin
- b-defensins
- IL-18
What is the function of toll like receptors?
Recognise complex molecules produced by pathogens
Which toll like receptors recognise polysaccharides produced by gingivitis pathogens?
- TLR 2
- TLR 4
What is the disadvantage of TLR activation?
Potenital periodontal destruction
List the contents of saliva that help its immunological properties (8)
- IgA
- IgM
- Lysozyme
- Peroxidase
- Lactoferrin
- Agglutinin
- Cystatins
- Histatins
What is the role of lysozyme in oral immunity?
Breakdown of carbohydrates in bacteria cell walls
What is the role of lactoferrin in oral immunity?
Hydrolyses RNA, anti-viral, bacterial and parasitic functions
What is the role of peroxidase in oral immunity?
Peroxidation of organic compounds
What is the role of cystatins in oral immunity?
Serine protease inhibitors with antibacterial activities
What is the role of histatins in oral immunity?
Alter ion balance in mitochondria
Explain the events when the epithelial barrier of the oral mucosa is compromised
- Mast cells recognise bacteria
- Mast cells send signals to increase vascular permeability of blood vessels
- This causes neutrophils to migrate to and kill the bacteria
Which region of the antibody contains the antigen binding site?
Fab region
Which region of the antibody contains the hinge?
Fc region
