Immunity Flashcards
1) Explain the importance of self-tolerance in immunity
2) Explain the types of tolerance - central and peripheral
1) The immune system must be tolerant to “self” and recognize it from non-self; loss of tolerance –> healthy cells are attacked by the immune system –> autoimmunity e.g. Type I Diabetes
2A) Central - occurs in thymus (T cells) and bone marrow (B cells); removal of self-reactive clones (cells with too high affinity) via apoptosis, receptor editing of B cells, or devlpt of tregs from CD4 T cells
2B) Peripheral tolerance - either apoptosis via Fas/FasL extrinsic pathway, hide the self-reactive clones/antigens (ignorance), shut them down (anergy), or suppression using tregs
Define the following:
1) Antigen
2) Epitope
3) Antibody (i.e. immunoglobulin)
4) Paratope
5) Idiotype
6) Adjuvant
1) Antigen = antibody generator; can be capsule, cell wall, etc.; also called immunogen since it elicits an immune response; can be part of pathogen or cancerous cells
2) Epitope = reactive portion of the antigen that reacts chemically with the paratope of an antibody to form the immune complex
3) Antibody = Y shaped protein that recognizes specific foreign antigen; secreted version of B cell antigen receptor
4) Paratope = portion of the antibody that binds to the epitope of an antigen; is sterically and chemically complementary and forms noncovalent bonds; is part of the Fab (fragment antigen-binding region)
5) Idiotype = set of epitopes on the variable region of an antibody molecule that are unique to an individual
6) Adjuvant = agent that stimulates immune system and enhances the response e.g. Toll-like receptors
Basic difference between B and T cells
Both part of adaptive immune response
B cells - defend body against antigens and pathogens in body fluids –> humoral immunity; recognize pathogens in native form; carry MHC Class I and II
T cells - defend body against pathogens in living cells –> cell-mediated immunity; recognize pathogens through MHC-peptide complex; only carry MHC Class I
Describe the following immunological techniques:
1) Flow cytometry - fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS)
2) Monoclonal antibodies
1) FACS - cells with fluorescent tags funneled one at a time through nozzle –> hit by laser beam and produces energy/color –> can determine size and granularity of cells and quantitate levels of various proteins on cells
2) Monoclonal antibodies - generated from clones of single B cells; only hybridomas (myeloma cells fused with antibody-producing cells) survive in medium –> produce immortal fusion cells = single monoclonal antibody with single specificity against antigen; e.g. rituximab (anti-CD20 to treat NHL); produce side effects e.g. fever, chills, nausea
Describe innate immunity and key features
Innate immunity - initial response to pathogens and activates adaptive immune response; can eliminate damaged cells and repair tissue w/out inflammation; comes from long evolutionary history
Key features: functional at all times; immediately available, broadly specific = responds to CLASSES of microbes, no immune memory; multiple mechanisms to find and eliminate pathogens + infected cells
Includes: first line defense (physical barrier), PRRs, complement system, macrophages, DCs, NK cells, neutrophils, cytokines
Define:
1) PRR
2) PAMP
3) DAMP
1) PRR = Pattern Recognition Receptor = innate immunity molecules that recognize foreign molecules based on patterns not seeing in normal cells; can be on cell membrane, endosomal membrane, or cytoplasm
2) PAMP = Pathogen Associated Molecular Patterns = pathogen molecules recognized by PRRs; can immediately recognize these bc of evolution; can be part of intact pathogen, or shed by pathogen, or released following phagocytosis
3) DAMP = Damage Associated Molecular Patterns = subset of PAMPs; pathogen molecules recognized by PRRs that arise from unmasked/unusual host components due to infection, trauma, etc.
Describe at least 5 major molecular patterns that are recognized by PRRs and associate these molecular patterns with classes of pathogens
1) (PAMP) Nucleic acids –> ss or dsRNA –> viruses
2) (PAMP) Proteins –> pilin or flagellin –> bacteria
3) (PAMP) Cell wall lipids –> gram negative (LPS) or gram positive (lipoteichoic acid) bacteria
4) (PAMP) Carbs –> mannan or dectin glucans –> fungi
5) (DAMP) crystals e.g. monosodium urate, nuclear proteins
Describe:
1) role of Toll-like receptors
2) 2 major cellular locations of TLRs
3) the physiological outcomes of TLR stimulation
1) Toll-Like receptors - family of PRRs conserved through evolution capable of recognizing wide variety of PAMPs from different classes of pathogens
2) A- Cell surface; B- endosomal membrane
3) PAMP binds to cognate TLR –> signal transduction cascade –> triggers inflammatory or antiviral response
A) NFkB transcription factor –> inflammatory response through cytokines TNF and interleukins IL-1 and IL-6, also stimulates adaptive immunity
B) IRF transcription factor–> antiviral response through Type I Interferons IFN (alpha and beta)
Describe the following types of cytoplasmic PRRs:
1) NLRs
2) RLRs
1) NLRs = NOD-like receptors - binding to peptidoglycan/bacterial PAMPs in cytoplasm triggers intracellular signaling cascade –> NFkb inflammatory response through cytokines; misregulation may lead to gut diseases e.g. IBD
2) RLRs = RIG-like receptors e.g. RIG1 - binds to nucleic acid PAMPs; senses RNA viruses bc there has to be a triphosphate on 5’ end
Describe the role of neutrophils in innate immunity and response to interaction with bacteria
Neutrophil = PMN = granulocytes
Activation: predominant white cell type in blood (inactive); activated by TNF + IL-1 (inflammatory cytokines), fmet (1st AA terminal on N-terminus of bacterial proteins) –> first responders to acute inflammation
Function: Very phagocytic –> kill bacteria or fungi in circulation or tissues; short half-life (~5 hours) so require constant replenishment from bone marrow; old neutrophils phagocytosed by macrophages
neutropenia (e.g. during chemotherapy) –> high rate of bacterial and fungal infections
1) Differentiate between monocytes and macrophages
2) Differentiate between classical (M1) and alternatively activated (M2) macrophage - activation and function
3) What are add’l macrophage functions
1) Monocytes are immature macrophages that circulate in blood; mature into macrophages when they leave blood and go to site of injury/infection
2) Classical M1 macrophage matures due to binding of TLRs, IFNgamma –> secretes IL-1 + TNF, IL-12, ROS/NO –> inflammation, mobilization of NKCs/CD8T cells, phagocytosis/killing of pathogen
Alternatively activated M2 macrophage matures due to IL-4, IL-13, signals –> secretes IL-10 + TGFbeta, proline polyamines –> anti-inflammatory, wound repair + fibrosis
3) Add’l macrophage functions: surveillance, garbage collecting, antigen presentation to effector T cells (NOT naive T cells), more cell surface PRRs expressed upon activation
Describe function of NK cells in innate immunity in:
1) IDing targets
2) killing targets
3) protecting from viruses
Natural Killer (NK) cells - large lymphocytes with cytoplasmic granules; stimulated by IL-12 (released by macrophages) and Interferons alpha/beta, ALSO release IFNgamma which activates macrophages
1) IDing damaged/infected cells - NK cells have both inhibitory and activating receptors; healthy cells have MHC Class I molecules (e.g. HLA-E) which are recognized by inhibitory receptors; pathogens downregulate MHC Class I –> activate NK cell –> target killed
2) Killing IDed cells extracellulary - cytoplasmic granules contain substances that lead to target cell death via apoptosis
3) Can kill virus-infected cells in early stages of viral infection before there are cytotoxic T-lymphocytes
1) Describe functions of dendritic cells in innate immunity
2) Outline 2 types of dendritic cells and their specific functions:
A) Conventional (myeloid)
B) Plasmacytoid
1) Function of DCs: main type of APCs, most efficient ones that initiate most immune responses; immature DC does surveillance in epithelium –> migrate to lymph nodes and induce peripheral tolerance by inducing tregs, generating IgA
2A) Conventional DCs (bone marrow): immature DCs recognize and phagocytose antigens using TLRs 2/4 -> becomes mature DC and produce cytokines (i.e. IL-12 –> differentiation of Th1, enhancement of NKCs and CD8 T cells) + ROS/NO –> travel to nearby draining lymph node where they present antigen to naive T cells –> activate T cell to stimulate adaptive immune response–> increases antigen presentation + costimulatory molecules
2B) Plasmacytoid dendritic cell (periphery + spleen): high levels of TLRs 3/7/9 –> respond to ss/ds viral RNA/DNA –> Turn on Type I interferons TFN alpha and beta –> antiviral effects (block viral translation, inhibit replication via ribonuclease) + stimulate adaptive immunity
What is the complement system of innate immunity and the three major outcomes of activation?
Complement system - 20 soluble recognition molecules, produced in liver and found in the blood, that help tag or destroy antigens in serum
3 major outcomes:
1) opsonize (tagging) of microbes by C3b for phagocytosis and killing most important function - C3b receptor is on macrophages and neutrophils
2) mobilize and recruit phagocytes (neutrophils, macrophages, DCs, mast cells) to site of infection by C3a, C5a
3) recruit membrane attack complex –> directly lyse pathogens (only those with thin cell walls)
What are the three ways the complement system of innate immunity can be activated?
1) Classical pathway: Fc region of antigen+antibody complex (Only IgG or IgM) is bound by C1 to form protease –> activates C2 and C4 –> forms C3 convertase (C4bC2a)
2) Alternative pathway: spontaneous hydrolysis of complement protein C3 which is found in high concentration in serum and tissue; activated by high molecular weight bacterial polysaccharides and promoted by Properdin–> C3 breaks down into C3a and C3b –> C3b bound by Factor B (which is cleaved by Factor D) –> forms C3 convertase (C3bBb)
3) Lectin pathway: mannose binding lectin (MBL) protein recognizes terminal mannose residues found in bacteria/fungi but not humans –> recruits proteases to cleave complement proteins C4 and C2 –> form C3 convertase (C4bC2a)
Where do the three activation pathways of the complement system converge
Pathways converge at C3 convertase (C3bBb from alternative pathway or C4b2a from classical/lectin pathways)
C3 convertase cleaves C3 –> C3a and C3b –> C3b + C3 convertase –> C5 convertase (C3bBb3b or C4b2a3b) which cleaves C5 to C5a and C5b –> can form membrane attack complex
factors H and I inhibit C3b
What is the function of C3a and C5a soluble fragments in innate immunity?
1) bind to receptors on neutrophils and lead to chemotaxis (movement) towards infected site
2) recruitment and activation of other inflammatory cells e.g. monocytes, macrophages
3) activate and degranulate mast cells and basophils –> release of inflammatory mediators –> anaphylaxis
How are healthy cells protected from the complement system of innate immunity?
1) Regulatory proteins e.g. DAF, CD59
2) Protein I- serum/tissue inhibitor of C3b
Beyond complement proteins, what are examples of other soluble recognition molecules?
Pentraxins e.g. C-reactive protein CRP, SAP –> activate Complement C1 protein
Increased levels of CRP are systemic effect of acute inflammation –> serve as serum biomarkers for inflammation
Describe the forms of immunization against tetanus and when they should be used:
1) Tetanus toxoid
2) Tetanus antitoxin (Equine)
3) Tetanus immune globulin (human)
4) What is the ideal treatment for tetanus in non-immunized patients vs immunized patients?
1) Tetanus toxoid: stimulates active immunity –> production of protective antibodies in 3-5 days if previous vaccination was given (since memory lymphocytes exist); should get toxoid booster every 5 years
2) Tetanus antitoxin (Equine): should be used only if human immune globulin is not available and immediate passive immunization is required; can cause serum sickness if administered multiple times since it is a heterologous serum (from another species)
3) Tetanus immune globulin (human): passive immunization in patients with no prior history of active immunization; provides instant immunity but antibody half-life is 3 weeks; should not be used alone; should not be given to previously immunized patients bc expensive + unnecessary
4) Non-immunized: Administer tetanus immune globulin (human) + tetanus toxoid at same time in different sites
Immunized: N/A if they received booster w/in last 5 years, tetanus toxoid if they have not
Describe the steps in the response to an extracellular microbe
1) Activation –> C3 cleaved to C3b
2) C3b opsonizes pathogen to facilitate uptake
3) C3b binds other serum proteins to create complement complexes that increase C3 and also C5 breakdown –> can also form membrane attack complex
4) C3a and C5a attract phagocytes – first neutrophils and then macrophages in tissues (then more come from circulation within 12+ hours(
5) Macrophages release IL-12 which activates pro-inflammatory NKCs, CD8 T cells
6) NKCs release IFNgamma which further activates macrophages
7) Macrophages release cytokines e.g. TNF alpha, IL 1,6,12
8) Dendritic cells recognize pathogen via PRR and mature –> act as APC and present antigen via MHC/TCR binding
What is the function of the Major histocompatability complex (MHC) molecules?
MHC = set of cell surface proteins that allow T cells (adaptive immune system) to recognize foreign molecules; bind pathogen peptide fragments after the pathogen has been ingested by macrophage or dendritic cell –> creates antigen-MHC complex “tag” on cell surface for recognition by T cells
MHC molecules do not discriminate between self and pathogen peptides –> present all of them bc peptides are the limiting factor –> it is T cells who mediate self vs non-self
Major genetic association with MHC genes and devlpt of autoimmunity
What are the differences between Class I and II MHC molecules in terms of: A) Structure B) Function C) Locations expressed D) Types of antigen peptides processed E) Types of pathogens targeted
MHC I: A) Structure - heterodimer of heavy alpha chains and light beta2 chains; B) Function - attract CD8 killer T cells to kill infected cells; C) Expressed in all nucleated cells; D) Endogenous antigens - presents peptides synthesized in the cell; E) Targets mostly viruses
MHC II: A) Structure - heterodimer of heavy alpha and beta chains (alpha/beta binding domain); B) Function - attract CD4 helper T cells; C) Expressed in APCs (B lymphocytes, dendritic cells); D) Exogenous antigens - presents peptides from proteins phagocytosed and degraded in endosomes; E) Targets bacteria, parasites
1) Describe peptide binding by MHC molecules and motifs
2) Describe differences bw I and II in terms of:
A) binding domain
B) binding groove
C) length of peptides bound
1) MHC molecules unstable without bound peptide; binding restricted to anchor residues – which remain constant; all the other peptide residues can vary; motif – relationship between peptide sequence and MHC allele it binds –> helpful for predicting epitopes in Class I but not II
2A) Binding domain: alpha1/2 in Class I, alpha1/beta1 in Class II
B) Binding groove: Closed in Class I, open in Class II
C) Length: shorter (7-10 AA) peptides in Class I, longer (12-24 AA) in Class II