Immune System Flashcards
One key role of antibodies is to recognize substances/cells that need to be eliminated. What is another key role antibodies have?
To be recognized by other components of the immune system
the two heavy chains and two light chains of antibodies are linked by what type of bonds?
disulfide bonds
“top” ends of antibodies that bind to the target antigen, and differs in each type of antibody. These region distinguishes one antibody from another
variable region
the variable region contributes to the antigen binding site
the specific part of an antigen that an antibody recognizes
epitope
the antigen-recognizing area of the antibody
paratope
What are T-cells roles?
- To recognize cells that have been damaged by viral infections or have malfunctioned
- Killing these infected cells
- Activating other immune cells
- Produce cytokines
- Regulating immune response
What cells modulate immune responses based on antigen fragments that are presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II?
T-cells
receives protein fragements from inside the cell and presents them extracellularly as antigens that T cells can respond to; serve as an internal quality checkpoint
MHC class I
Shows fragments of antigens from external invaders that have been engulfed so that CD4+ and helper T cells can recruit response; expressed primarily in macrophages and macrophage-like cells (i.e dendritic and B-cells)
MHC class II
think of this as a scouting report; they are a way for cells that destroy foreign bodies to tell the rest of the body what they’ve found in order for a more coordinated response to be produced
process by which cells present antigens on their membranes
antigen presentation
all nucleated cells are antigen-presenting bc they express MHC class I
What is considered a professional antigen-presenting cell?
Any specialized cell that expresses MHC class II
the innate immune system is split into two components….
- non-cellular component
- cellular component
can act independently or be coordinated
the non-cellular component includes anatomical barriers and signaling molecules i.e cytokines and complement proteins
the cellular component includes a range of WBC’s
Name anatomical barriers (non-cellular components) of the innate immune system
- the skin
- GI tract
- respiratory system
List and explain the components of the GI tract that serve as anatomical barriers against infections
- oral cavity - lysozymes in saliva break down bacteria cell walls
- low pH of stomach
- peristalsis - bacteria/viruses stuggle to adhere to GI lining and/or invade body cells that are flushed out
- gut flora - prevent bad bacteria from out-colonizing the good bacteria
List and explain the components of the respiratory system that serve as anatomical barriers against infections
- mucus in upper respiratory tract - contains lysozymes (antibacterial) & mucus can be expelled from bod or swallowed into stomach
- mucocilliary escalator
the ____ is inside of the conducting airways and is made up of mucus and cilia, which moves the mucus up and out of the lungs where it can be expelled by coughing or swallowing
mucocilliary escalator
Name at least two commonalities between all white blood cells:
- they all have nuclei
- they are all produced in bone marrow
Name the WBC
an elevated amount of what kind of leukocyte could be an indication of an accute inflammatory response or an acute infection?
neutrophil
1st responders of infection, responsible for phagocytosis of bacteria
What are the major categories of lymphocytes?
- B cells
- T cells (helper, cytotoxic, & regulatory)
- Natural killer (NK) cells
What type of lymphocytes are involved in the adaptive (specific) immune system? The innate immune system?
Specific - B & T cells
Innate - NK cells
Name the lymphocyte
Control several types of tumors and microbial infections by limiting their spread and subsequent tissue damage. Known to staddle the lie of innate & adaptive immune system bc they respond to cells that have been “tagged by antibodies & destroy them; technically classified as part of innate immune system
natural killer (NK) cells
Rank the type of leukocyte from most common to least common
- Neutrophils (50-70%)
- Lymphocytes (30%)
- Monocytes (5%)
- Eosinophils (3%)
- Basophils (1%)
Main role is to travel to various tissues in the body and then differentiate into macrophages or dendritic cells
monocytes
phagocytic cells that surrounds and kills microorganisms, removes dead cells, cellular debris, non-cellular foreign substances, etc. and stimulates the action of other immune system cells
garbage disposal cells of the immune system
macrophage
A phagocytic immune cell that is found in tissues, such as the skin, and boosts immune responses by showing antigens on its surface to other cells (namely T-cells) of the immune system. They are a a type of antigen-presenting cell (APC)
tend to be found in body parts in contact with external environment
dendritic cells
Fight substances related to parasitic infection that have been flagged for destruction by your immune system. Also help promote inflammation
eosinophils
Defend your body from allergens, & pathogens. Highly involved with allergic responses, primarily the release of histamie and heparin (anticoagulant) as part of inflammatory responses
basophils
play an important role in how the immune system responds to certain bacteria and parasites and they help control other types of immune responses. They contain chemicals such as histamine, heparin, cytokines, and growth factors.
they are similar to basophils, but are located specifically in mucous membranes and connective tissues
Mast cells
mast cells are phagocytic
List all cells that are phagocytes
- neutrophils
- monocytes
- macrophages
- dendritic cells
- mast cells
made up of a large number of distinct plasma proteins that react with one another to opsonize pathogens and induce a series of inflammatory responses that help to fight infection
an *antibody-activated *protein cascade that promotes immune function.
complement system
a process by which a pathogen is marked for phagocytosis by being coated with antibodies in order to increase their susceptibility to ingestion by phagocytes.
opsonization
any of a number of substances, such as interferon, interleukin, and growth factors, which are secreted by certain cells of the immune system and have an effect on other cells. Primarily involved with immune response and inflammation
cytokines
What happens to the blood vessels during inflammation, and why?
Vasodilation; this results in increased blood flow, and in tandem with increased permeability results in plasma being able to migrate from the blood into the affected tissue
this allows a large # of immune cells to quickly address the situation
also responsible for redness & swelling
Name the acronym useful for remembering the signs of acute inflammation:
Swelling
Loss of function
Increased heat
Pain
Redness
SLIPR
Respond to MHC class II by secreting specialized cytokines that recruit other immune cells to mount a reaction
CD4+ helper T cells
to remember: the type of T cell corresponds to the MHC class # that multiplies to 8. Therefore CD4 goes with MHC II (4 x 2 = 8)
Recognize & destroy cells that present abnormal MHC class I proteins
Cytotoxic CD8 T cells
when T cells fail to appropriately respond to MHC class I and II proteins, and are thus eliminated
positive selection
the purpose of negative and positive selection is to ensre tht the T cells in the body will reliably respond against only invaders and unhealthy cells
when over-reactive T-cells (particularly against self-cells) are eliminated
negative selection
the purpose of negative and positive selection is to ensre tht the T cells in the body will reliably respond against only invaders and unhealthy cells
T-cell immunity can also be called….
Cell-mediated immunity
B-cell immunity can also be called….
humoroal immunity
production of the elements of blood (RBCs, WBC, and platelets)
takes place in bone marrow
hematopoiesis
hematopoietic stem cells divide either into lymphoid myeloid stem cells
lymphoid stem cells further differentiate into lymphocytes (B, T, and NK cells), while myeloid stem cells differentiate into all other tyoes of blood cells, including other WBCs, RBCs, and megakaryocytes (cells from which platelets are derived)
the white pulp of this organ contributes to the immune system. It is rich in lymphocytes, namely B and T cells. It is the site for B-cell activation to further differentiate into plasma cells for antibody production. It controls the level of WBCs, RBCs and platelets
spleen
what cells are responsible for blood clots?
Platelets
the lymphatic system is a part of what two physiological systems?
Circulatory and immune systems
tiny vessels found in the tissues of most organs in your body. They transport and filter lymphatic fluid (lymph) from your body’s cells and tissues via lymph vessels. They help to keep consistent blood pressure and volume and prevent fluid buildup.
lymph capillaries
A thin tube that carries lymph (lymphatic fluid) and white blood cells through the lymphatic system. Collect and filter lymph (at the nodes) as it continues to move toward larger vessels called collecting ducts.
Lymph vessels
peripheral swelling (edema) caused by blocked lymphatic vessels
lymphedema
Name at least 3 key anatomical structures in the lymphatic system
- thymus
- spleen
- red bone marrow
List and describe the functions of the lymphatic system
- maintenance of fluid balance
- transprt of materials from the interstitial space into the bloodstream
- lipid transport from the digestive system into the bloodstream
- production and maturation of lymphocytes
