Immune system vocabulary Flashcards
Natural Killer Cells
Cells that kill virus-infected cells and tumor cells by secreting toxins
Macrophages/phagocytes
Phagocytose (consume) bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances
Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs or neutrophils)
Phagocytose (consume) bacteria
Cytotoxic T cells (killer T cells; CD8 cells)
Directly destroy virus-infected cells, tumor cells, and allograft cells by producing toxins or inducing apoptosis
Helper T cells (CD4 cells)
Stimulate B cells to differentiate into plasma cells and produce more antibodies. Activate cytotoxic T cells (CD8 cells) and macrophages
Suppressor T cells
Inhibit both B and T cell activity; moderate immune response
Memory T-cells
Remain dormant until reactivated by an antigen they were previously exposed to, allowing more rapid and potent response. Where immunity from specific infections comes from
IgG
(1) Location
(2) Functions
(1) Blood plasma
(2) Major antibody in both primary and secondary immune responses, inactivates antigen, neutralizes toxins, crosses placenta to provide immunity to newborn, responsible for Rh reactions
IgA
(1) Location
(2) Functions
(1) Saliva, mucus, tears, breast milk
(2) Protects mucus membranes on body surfaces; provides immunity to newborn
IgM
(1) Location
(2) Function
(1) Attached to B-cells; released into plasma during immune response
(2) Causes antigens to clump together; responsible for reactions when receiving blood transfusions; first antibody produced in primary immune response; activates the complement system
IgD
(1) Location
(2) Function
(1) Attached to B-cells
(2) Activates B-cells. Act as receptor sites on B-cells so they react with antigens
IgE
(1) Location
(2) Function
(1) Produced by plasma cells in mucus membranes in tonsils
(2) Bind to mast cells and basophils so they release histamine; responsible for allergic reactions
