Immunity Flashcards
Immune System Function
- Protect Body from foreign antigens
- Identify and destroy harmful cells
- Remove Cellular Debris
Human Body is Constantly Threatened By
- Foreign substances
- Infectious agents
- Abnormal cells
Antigens
- Foreign substances that trigger the immune response
Immunity
- Natural of induced response to infection and the conditions associated with its response
Immunocompetent
- Body has the ability to recognize antigens and effectively destroy or remove them
Immunodeficiency
- Can develop when the immune system is incompetent or unable to respond effectively
EX: AIDS
-
Normal Immune System Presentation
Complex Network that:
- Defends and protects the body from INFECTION
- Removes and destroys damaged or dead cells (Phagocytosis)
- ID’s and destroys malignant cells
Immune System Activation
- External agents (Microorganisms)
- Minor Injuries (Small cuts or bruises)
- Major Injuries ( Burns, surgeries, systemic diseases-pneumonia)
AutoImmune Reaction
- Body loses the ability to recognize and begins to attack its own tissues
Immune Response
-Specific Response
- Activated when the inflammatory process is unable to destroy invading organisms or toxins
Components of Immune System
-Leukocytes
- PRIMARY cells involved in both nonspecific and specific immune responses
- Use the CIRCULATORY SYSTEM to transport themselves to the cite of infection or injury (Can move through tissue spaces)
- Detect, attack & destroy anything that is recognized as FOREIGN
Leukocytes
-Normal number
- 4,500 - 10,000 cells per cubic mm of blood
Leukocytosis
- In the presence of an infection, WBC’s are released from bone marrow into the blood
- Leads to WBC count greater than 10,000 cubic millimeters
Leukopenia
- Occurs when bone marrow activity is suppressed or when leukocyte destruction increases
Types of Leukocytes
- Granulocytes
- Antigen-Presenting Cells
- Lymphocytes
Types of Leukocytes
-Granulocytes
Constitute 60-80% of total # of leukocytes
- Neutrophils
- Eosinophils
- Basophils
Types of Granulocytes
-Neutrophils
- Most plentiful of the granulocytes
- 55-70% of the total number of circulating leukocytes
- PHAGOCYTIC CELLS (Eat bacteria & small particles)
- 1st to arrive on the scene.
Neutrophils
-Bands & Segments
- Segments are mature
- Bands are immature
- Bands DO NOT replicate
Types of Granulocytes
-Eosinophils
- Phagocytic cells (less effective than neutrophils at eating)
- Large # found in respiratory tract & GI tract
- Involved in HYPERSENSITIVITY RESPONSE
Types of Granulocytes
-Basophils
- NOT PHAGOCYTIC
2. Released into bloodstream during STRESS
Types of Leukocytes
-Antigen-Presenting Cells (APC’s)
- Activate Immune Response in both B & T lymphocytes
- MEDIATORS OF IMMUNITY ** - Actively Phagocytic
- Three types
- Monocytes, Macrophages & Dendritic Cells
Types of APC’s
-Monocytes
- Activate Immune response in B & T lymphocytes against CHRONIC INFECTIONS
- EX: TB, Viral and parasitic infections
Types of APC’s
-Macrophages
- Monocytes mature into macrophages, which are differentiated by the tissues in which they reside
- Histocytes, Kupffer cells, Alveolar macrophages & Microglia
- Activate immune response against CHRONIC INFECTIONS
- Encapsalate and trap things that cannot be Removed from the body **
Macrophages
-Histocytes
- tissue macrophages in loose connective tissue
Macrophages
-Kupffer Cells
- Found in the liver
Macrophages
-Alveolar Macrophages
- In the lungs
Macrophages
-Microglia
- Macrophages in the brain
Types of APC’s
-Dendritic Cells
- Capture antigens and migrate to lymphoid tissue
Types of Leukocytes
-Lymphocytes
- Principal effector and regulator cells of “SPECIFIC” immune responses (surveillance cells)
- Three types:
- T Lymphocytes
- B Lymphocytes
- Natural Killer Cells
Types of Lymphocytes
-T Lymphocytes
- Mature in thymus
- On contact with APC they mature into:
- Helper T-Cells (Help Immunity)
- Cytotoxic T-Cells (Kills Cancer)
- Memory T-Cells
Types of Lymphocytes
-B Cells
- Activated and mature into:
- Plasma Cells (Secrete antibodies)
- Memory Cells
Types of Lymphocytes
-Natural Killer Cells
- Immune surveillance & resistance to infection
- Destrution of early malignant cells
- Cytotoxic but DO NOT require connection to APC’s
Antigen Characteristics
-Immunogenicity
- Ability to stimulate a specific immune response
Types of Lymphocytes
-Specific Reactivity
- Ability to stimulate specific immune system components
Primary Immune Response
-How Long Does it Take?
- 3 days for primary immune response to occur
Secondary immune Response
-How Long does it Take?
- Secondary immune response w/in 24 hours
Classes of Antibodies (Immunoglobins)
-IGG
- Provides early immunity for a newborn
- Secondary exposure to foreign antigens
- Anti-viral & Antibacterial activity
- Longest and strongest response
Classes of Antibodies (Immunoglobins)
- IgA
- Found in secretions
- Protects mucous membranes from invading organims
- Does not pass placental barrier
- IgA deficiency makes one prone to autoimmune disease
Classes of Antibodies (Immunoglobins)
- IgM TEST
- Primary Immunity
- Produced 48-72 hrs after antigen enters body
- If IgM is rising during blood test, it shows an ACUTE INFECTION
- Fights against rheumatoid factors
Classes of Antibodies (Immunoglobins)
- IgE
- Increase during allergic reaction and anaphylaxis
Importance of Understanding Immune System
- You have to understand the process to EDUCATE patients and their families about it
Hypersensitive Immune Response
- Over-reaction of the immune system to an antigen
Immune Response
-Non-Specific
- Prevent or limit the entry of invaders into the body
- Limit extent of tissue damage & reduce Immune system Workload
- EX: Inflammation
Cytotoxic T-Cells
-Important Action
- Attack MALIGNANT CELLS (cancer cells)
2. Responsible for TRANSPLANT REJECTION
Lymphoid System
-Purpose
- Protect bloodstream from invading organisms
2. Recover proteins for vascular system
Lymphoid System
-Lymph Nodes
- Filter foreign products or antigens from the lymph
2. House and support proliferation of lymphocytes and macrophages
Lymphoid System
-Spleen
- Largest lymphoid organ in the body
- Only lymph organ that can FILTER BLOOD
- Red Pulp filters blood // White pulp is surveillance
- Spleen is not needed for life to continue
- Liver and bone marrow assume function
Immunizations
-Active Immunity
- Immunity in which antibody production is stimulated w/out causing clinical disease)
- Antigen is given in the form of a vaccine
NORMAL Immune Function Changes w/ Aging
- Decrease in immune response
- Lowered resistance to infections
- Poor response to immunizations
- Autoantibodies more common
Caring Interventions for Immunity
- EDUCATION
- Nutrition
- Exercise
- Sleep
- Stress reduction
Goal of Pharmacologic Therapy in Immunity
- Restore Immune Function
Immunity Pharmacology
-Mild manifestations
- Supportive Treatment
- NSAIDS
- Low-dose corticosteroids
Immunity Pharmacology
-Prevention and Prompt Treatment of Infection
- Antibiotic Therapy
- Prophylaxis
- Immunizations
- IV immunoglobulin to provide protection
Immunity Pharmacology
-Complimentary Therapies
- Acupuncture
2. Massage