Immune System, Immunizations, Immunostimulants and Immunosuppresants Flashcards
Antigens
Microbes and foreign substances that elicit an immune response.
Ex. pollen grains, bacteria, nonhuman cells, and viruses.
Plasma cells
Cells derived from B cells that secrete antibodies specific to the antigen that triggered humoral immune response
B cells (humoral immune response)
Lymphocytes activated by antigen.
Divides rapidly to form millions of copies of itself.
Antibodies
Proteins produced in response to antigens, also known as immunoglobulins (Ig).
Physically interact with antigens to neutralize or mark them for destruction by other cells of the immune response.
When does peak production of antibodies occur?
About 10 days after an initial antigen challenge.
Memory B cells
Formed after the antigen challenge.
Remember the specific antigen-antibody interaction, so that the next time the body is exposed to the same antigen, the body will manufacture higher levels of antibodies in a shorter period (2-3 days).
Vaccination/Immunization
The process of introducing foreign proteins or inactive cells into the body to trigger immune activation before the patient is exposed to the real pathogen.
Attenuated (live) vaccines
Contain live but weakened microbes so they are unable to produce disease unless the patient is immunocompromised.
Ex. MMR
Inactivated (killed) vaccines
Contain microbes inactivated by heat or chemicals.
Ex. Influenza, HPV, Hep A
Toxoid vaccines
Contain bacterial toxins that have been chemically modified to be incapable of causing disease.
When injected, induce the formation of antibodies that are capable of neutralizing the real toxins.
Ex. Diphtheria and tetanus
Recombinant technology vaccines
Contain partial organisms or bacterial proteins that are generated in the lab using biotech.
Ex. Hep B vaccine
