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Microbiology > Immunity > Flashcards

Immunity Flashcards

1
Q

Nonspecific Immunity

A

Also innate, or natural. First line of defense. Resists any foreign material. Lacks memory.

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2
Q

Specific Immunity

A

Also acquired or adaptive. Resists particular foreign materials. Has memory. More effective on repeated exposures.

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3
Q

Nonspecific Immune Cells

A

Granulocytes, Macrophages, Dendritic cells, NK cells.

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4
Q

Nonspecific Physical Barriers

A

Skin, Mucous Membranes, Respiratory System, GI Tract, Urinary Tract, Eyes.

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5
Q

Antigen

A

Antibody Generators. Presence of antigens ultimately results in B cell activation.

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6
Q

White Blood Cells

A

Develop through hematopoesis in marrow. Can mature in marrow to become Macrophages or Dendritic cells. Can be activated after leaving marrow to become B or T cells.

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7
Q

Antimicrobial Secretions of Mucous Membranes

A

Lysozyme (hydrolyzes bonds in PG), lactoferrin (sequesters iron), lactoperoxidase (makes superoxide radicals).

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8
Q

Nonspecific Chemical Mediators

A

Lysozyme, Complement proteins, Cationic peptides (Linear, Defensins, Large), Bacteriocins.

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9
Q

Defensins

A

Second class of cationic peptides. Rich in arginine, cysteine, and disulfide links. In Neutrophils, intestinal Paneth cells, and respiratory epithelial cells.

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10
Q

Bacteriocins

A

Peptides lethal to related species. Made by both Gram (+) and (-) cells.

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11
Q

Complement System

A

Over 30 serum proteins. Complements antibody activity via opsonization and signaling. Also defends against bacterial infection and disposes of waste.

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12
Q

Opsonization

A

Microbes coated with serum components (opsonins) which are recognized by phagocytic cells and ingested.

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13
Q

Complement Proteins

A

Can function as opsonins, lyse cell membranes, and link specific/nonspecific immune systems.

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14
Q

Complement Activation

A

Three pathways: Classic, Lectin, Alternative.

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15
Q

Classical Complement Activation

A

Slower pathway, dependent on Antigen:Antibody interactions. C1 activated -> splits C2 into a + b, C4 into a + b -> C2a + C4b = C3 -> splits into a (Inflammation) + b (Opsonization and Cytolysis). Products participate in opsonization, chemotaxis, and MAC.

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16
Q

Lectin Complement Pathway

A

Mannan-binding pathway, dependent on mannose-binding protein interacting with pathogen. Lectin binds to MBP on microbe, ultimately activates C3 a/b to participate in Opsonization, Cytolysis, and Inflammation.

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17
Q

Alternative Complement Pathway

A

Intravascular bacteria/fungi invasion, dependent on repetitive structures on pathogen surface. Activates C3 a/b to do Ops., Cyt., and Inflamm.

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18
Q

C3 Activation

A

Outcome of Complement Activation. C3a + C5a causes histamine release by Mast Cells = inflammation. C3b splits C5 into a + b -> C5b binds to C6/7/8 + 9 to form MAC which cytolyzes. C3b functions as an opsonin to enhance phagocytosis.

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19
Q

Membrane Attack Complex

A

Agent of cytolysis. Bursts microbes with an inflow of extracellular fluid via transmembrane channel.

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20
Q

Inflammation

A

Increases blood vessel permeability and attracts phagocytes.

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21
Q

Interferons (alpha and beta)

A

Cause degradation of viral mRNA and block protein synthesis; host-cell specific, not virus-specific.

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22
Q

Interferon (gamma)

A

Activates neutrophils and macrophages to increase phagocytosis and produce antimicrobial molecules.

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23
Q

Interferons

A

Antiviral cytokines. Major role in acute illness like cold and the flu; cause symptoms of sickness.

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24
Q

Cytokines

A

Soluble proteins that act as intercellular mediators and signaling molecules. Three groups: regulators of nonspecific resistance, regulators of specific resistance, and stimulators of hematopoiesis.

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25
Q

Types of Cytokines

A

Monokines (from mononuclear phagocytes), Lymphokines (from T lymphocytes), Interleukins (from leukocytes), Colony Stimulating Factors (stimulate growth of immature leukocytes).

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26
Q

Autocrine

A

Affects same cell responsible for its own production.

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27
Q

Paracrine

A

Affects nearby cells.

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28
Q

Endocrine

A

Affects distant cells.

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29
Q

Granulocytes

A

Eosinophils, Basophils, and Neutrophils.

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30
Q

Basophils

A

Blueish-black stain with bases. Non-phagocytic; release histamine; important for allergic response.

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31
Q

Eosinophils

A

Red stain with acids. Defend against parasites; release cationic proteins and reactive oxygen; also important for allergic response.

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32
Q

Neutrophils

A

Stain at neutral pH. Very phagocytic; migrate to sites of tissue damage; kill microbes with lytic enzymes and reactive oxygen.

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33
Q

Agranulocytes

A

Monocytes, Lymphocytes (B, T cells)

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34
Q

Monocytes

A

Immature phagocytes that mature into macrophages and dendritic cells.

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35
Q

Mast cells

A

Have granules that release histamine, important for allergic response.

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36
Q

Macrophages

A

Very phagocytic cells that reside in specific tissues. Contain surface receptors such as PAMPs (pathogen associated molecular patterns).

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37
Q

Dendritic Cells

A

Phagocytic, reside in blood, skin, mucous membranes. Contain PAMPs and participate in antigen presentation.

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38
Q

Natural Killer Cells

A

Non-Phagocytic lymphocytes. Participate in non-specific immunity by killing malignant and infected cells via release of granzymes. Recognizes cells that lost Class 1 major histocompatibility antigen due to viral/bacterial presence.

39
Q

Major Histocompatibility Complex

A

MHC Class 1 identifies all cells of the body as “self”, important for organ transplants. Class 2 found only on antigen presenting cells, used for T cell communication. Class 3 involves secreted proteins not necessary for self recognition.

40
Q

Thymus

A

Site of T cell maturation and processing.

41
Q

Bone Marrow

A

Site of B cell maturation and processing.

42
Q

Spleen

A

Lymphoid organ that filters blood through trapping of antigens via macrophages and dendritic cells, these antigens are then presented to B and T cells.

43
Q

Lymph Nodes

A

Lymphoid tissue that filters lymph. Macrophages and dendritic cells trap microbes. Also the site of B cell differentiation.

44
Q

Skin Associated Lymphoid Tissue

A

SALT. Contains Langerhans cells which a dendritic cells that can phagocytose antigens and present them to activated T cells.

45
Q

Mucosal Associated Lymphoid Tissue

A

MALT. Has a specialized immune barrier with GALT and BALT.

46
Q

Phagocytosis

A

Phagocytic cells recognize, ingest, and kill microbes. Opsonin dependent or independent.

47
Q

Opsonin Independent Pathogen Recognition

A

Common pathogen components are recognized. Via lectin-carbohydrate, protein-protein, hydrophobic, and PAMPs interactions.

48
Q

Pathogen Associated Molecular Patterns

A

PAMPs. Conserved microbial structures that have specific patterns that are recognized by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). i.e. LPS of Gram (-) cells, PG of Gram (+).

49
Q

Toll-like Receptors

A

TLRs. Class or PRRs that act as signaling receptors after bing PAMPs.

50
Q

Exocytosis

A

Process carried pout by neutrophils to expel microbial fragments after they have been digested.

51
Q

Antigen Presentation

A

Antigen fragments become part of cell membrane, presented outward from the cell. links nonspecific and specific immunity.

52
Q

Acute Inflammation

A

Increases capillary dilation, and brings antimicrobial factors to kill pathogens. Involves selectins, integrins, and chemotaxins.

53
Q

Chronic Inflammation

A

Slow process involving formation of new connective tissue. Formation of a granuloma.

54
Q

Specific Immunity Functions

A

Recognize, respond to (effector- eliminates foreign material or anamnestic- faster after repeated exposure), and remember non-self.

55
Q

Characteristics of Specific Immunity

A

Discrimination, Diversity, Specificity, and Memory

56
Q

Humoral Immunity

A

Antibody-mediated, via B cells.

57
Q

Cellular Immunity

A

Cell-mediated, via T cells.

58
Q

Active and Passive Immunity

A

Active: naturally acquired (host develops after antigen exposure) or artificially acquired (vaccination). Passive: natural (transfer of antibodies from mother to fetus) or artificial (Immune globulin therapy).

59
Q

Human Leukocyte Antigen Complex

A

HLA complex. The MHC in Humans.

60
Q

MHC Antigen Processing

A

Classes 1 and 2 have antigen binding sites. Class 1 binds antigen peptides inside cell (endogenous) and present to CD8+ T cells. Class 2 binds antigen fragments outside cell (exogenous) and present to CD4+ T helper cells.

61
Q

Lymphocytes

A

T cells, B cells, and NK cells.

62
Q

T cell Types

A

Differentiate into T helpers (Th), T cytotoxic (Tc) and T regulators (Treg).

63
Q

T cell Activation

A

First: antigen presentation bridges MHC Class 2 on APC to the TCR on CD4+ (Th) cell. Second: MHC Class 1 on APC binds TCR on CD8+ (Tc) cell to promote lymphocyte proliferation.

64
Q

T helper cell Types

A

CD4+ T cells. Th1: promote Tc activity and macrophages. Th2: help B cells produce antibodies. Th17: antibacterial responses.

65
Q

Regulatory T cells

A

Treg derived from both CD4+ and CD8+ cells. Actives Foxp3 which upregulates CD25 and CTLA-4. CTLA-4 blocks the second signal required for lymphocyte activation.

66
Q

Cytotoxic T cells

A

CD8+ T cells. Activated by antigen on MHC 1 molecules. Kill target cells with same MHC 1 combination as the original activating one via perforin and CD95 pathway.

67
Q

Superantigens

A

Bacterial or viral proteins that stimulate a stronger immune response by binding to TCRs and tricking T cells into activation without a specific antigen. Cause T cell proliferation and cytokine storm which may lead to shock.

68
Q

B cell Activation

A 
T dependent (forms plasma + memory cells): first, antigen/BCR interaction; then activated Th2 binds B cell antigen and secretes B cell growth factors.
T independent (only plasma cells): works on polymeric antigens such as LPS, less effective than T dependent.
69
Q

Antibodies

A

Immunoglobulin (Ig). Made by plasma cells. Serves as the BCR on B cell surface. Consists of four chains forming a flexible Y; the stalk is Fc (crystallizable fragment, only constant region) and the top is Fab (antigen binding fragments, both constant and variable).

70
Q

Immunoglobulin Classes

A

IgG, IgD, IgM, IgA, IgE

71
Q

IgG

A

Most common; opsonization, neutralization, activates complement; only Ig that can cross placenta for passive immunity

72
Q

IgD

A

Part of BCR complex; signals B cells to produce antibodies.

73
Q

IgM

A

Monomer is BCR, Pentamer is secreted; first Ig involved in immune response; agglutination, activates complement.

74
Q

IgA

A

Secreted across mucosal surfaces

75
Q

IgE

A

Least common; involved in parasitic infections and allergies; opsonization, contains Fc portion that binds to mast cells and Fab portion that binds allergens.

76
Q

Primary Antibody Response

A

Days/Weeks after initial exposure. B cells differentiate into plasma cells. IgM appears, then IgG.

77
Q

Antibody Titer

A

Measure of serum antibody concentration.

78
Q

Secondary Antibody Response

A

Upon secondary exposure, B cells mount a memory response with shorter lag, rapid log phase, higher IgG titer, and antibodies with greater affinity for antigen.

79
Q

Antibody Diversity

A

Generated through: rearrangement of gene segments (combinatorial joining), changes in codons during splicing, and somatic mutation.

80
Q

Combinatorial Joining

A

Recombination enzymes (RAG-1 and RAG-2) splice exons of constant region to variable region of antibodies in various ways.

81
Q

Clonal Selection Theory

A

Body makes large, diverse population of B cells; self-reactive cells are eliminated; only B cells that can bind specific antigen are activated; activated cells proliferate clones; clones differentiate into plasma and memory cells.

82
Q

Hybridomas

A

Used to produce large quantities of monoclonal antibodies (MAb) that recognize a specific epitope.

83
Q

Antibody Fuctions

A

Precipitation, Opsonization, Neutralization, Complement Fixation, and Agglutination.

84
Q

Immune Tolerance

A

Three mechanisms of recognizing foreign but not self: Negative selection (deletion of autoreactive lymphocytes), Induction of Anergy (2nd signal suppressed to make cells nonreactive), and Inhibition of self reactivity via Treg cells.

85
Q

Immune Disorders

A

Hypersensitivities, Autoimmune diseases, Transplantation rejection, and Immunodeficiencies.

86
Q

Type I Hypersensitivity

A

Allergy; occurs following second contact with allergen; produces IgE and Mast cells.

87
Q

Anaphylaxis

A

Systemic: massive release of mast cell mediators in a short time, can cause shock and death.
Localized: Hay fever, Asthma, Hives

88
Q

Type II Hypersensitivity

A

Cytotoxic reaction directed against cell surfaces or tissues; involves IgG and IgM; i.e. blood transfusion reactions or erythroblastosis fetalis.

89
Q

Type III Hypersensitivity

A

Involves formation of immune complexes, causes inflammation and tissue damage; i.e. vasculitis, arthritis, lupus.

90
Q

Type IV Hypersensitivity

A

Delayed, cell-mediated immune response; takes time for T cells to reach target cells; i.e. tuberculin response, autoimmune diseases, transplantation rejection, and cancer cell killing.

91
Q

Autoimmunity

A

Presence of serum antibodies that react with self antigens. A natural consequence of aging and often benign.

92
Q

Transplant Types

A

Allograft: between genetically different individuals within a species. Xenograft: between individuals of different species.

93
Q

Transplantation Rejection

A

A: foreign MHCs on transplanted tissue recognized by host Th cells and Tc cells destroy transplant.
B: Th cells react to transplant by releasing cytokines which cause destruction via macrophages.

94
Q

Successful Transplantation

A

ABO blood group and MHC molecules (HLA genes) must be matched.

Microbiology (5 decks)

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