Immuno 9 - Immune modulating therapies 1+ Flashcards

1
Q

How can immune modulating therapies be categorised + examples of each?

A

Boosting the immune response:

  • Vaccines
  • Replacement (HSCT, Ig, T-cells)
  • Immune checkpoint blockers
  • Cytokine therapy

Suppressing the immune response:

  • Non-specific immunosupression (steroids)
  • Antiproliferative agents
  • Specific component targets (cell surface antigens + cytokines)
  • Plasmapheresis
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2
Q

How do vaccines provide immunity generally?

A

Vaccines are a form of acquired, active immunity.

They utilise the adaptive immune response to prime the immune system against a specific pathogen without causing illness

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3
Q

What should vaccnes induce?

A

Vaccines should induce production of:

  1. Memory T cells
  2. Memory B cells
  3. Preformed antibodies
    - > in order to provide protective immunity against a specific pathogen

eg. T-cell v TB, Ab v Influenza

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4
Q

Describe the general immune response to exposure to foreign antigen?

A
  1. When the immune system is first exposed to an antigen, it takes time to respond.
  2. The innate immune system is first on the scene. In turn it stimulates the adaptive immune system to respond.
  3. In the primary response, IgM is the predominant antibody. Its production is T cell dependent and it has low affinity and a short half life.
  4. The adaptive immune system has an ‘immunological memory’.
  5. When the immune system is exposed to the same antigen a second time, it responds rapidly – within hours.
  6. Large titres of IgG, a high affinity Ab, are made. This provides protection from re-infection.
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5
Q

Describe the T-cell response to a vaccine

A
  1. APCs presenting Ag (via MHC Class I or II) migrate to lymph nodes
  2. APCs activate naïve T cells with cognate receptor via MHC binding
    - MHC Class I binds to CD 8+ve (cytotoxic) T cells
    - MHC Class II binds to CD4+ve (helper) T cells
  3. Activated T cells undergo clonal expansion under influence of cytokines (e.g. IL-2)
  4. Mature T cells are produced:
    - Helper and cytotoxic T cells die by apoptosis
    - Memory T cells survive
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6
Q

Describe the B-cell response to a vaccine

A

. Naïve B cells endocytose Ag, presenting it on MHC Class II to CD4+ve (helper) T cells

  1. MHC Class II - T cell receptor binding stimulates T cell surface expression of CD40L
  2. CD40L (on T cells) - CD40 (on B cells) binding activates B cells
  3. Activated B cells form germinal centres:
    - Ig class switching
    - Somatic hypermutation
    - Proliferation
  4. Mature B cells are produced:
    - Plasma cells produce IgG, IgA and IgE
    - Memory B cells survive
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7
Q

What are the differences in longevity between T-cell and B-cell memory?

A

T-cell:

  • Memory is retained long-term post infection
  • Cytokines induce continual low-level proliferation

B-cell:
- Memory is retained long-term post infection -> Memory cells able to differentiate into plasma cells

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8
Q

What are the differences in site of T-cell and B-cell memory?

A

T-cell:
Expression of chemotaxis/adhesion related cell surface proteins allows access to non-lymphoid tissues
- Central: lymphoid tissue (spleen , lymph nodes)
- Effector: liver, lungs and gut

B-cell:

  • Lymphoid tissue (spleen, lymph nodes, tonsils, Peyer’s patches)
  • Bone marrow
  • Gut, circulation
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9
Q

What are the differences in response to ag re-exposure of T-cell and B-cell memory?

A

T-cell:

  • Rapid, robust response
  • Memory cells activate more quickly than naïve cells

B-cell:

  • Rapid, robust response
  • Improved Ab response: higher titres, higher IgG component, higher affinity
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10
Q

What do the most effective vaccines do?

A

Induce both T and B cell memory

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11
Q

What are the different types of vaccines available?

A

Live attenuated vaccines

Inactivated vaccines

Conjugate vaccines

3rd gen vaccines

Dendritic cell vaccines

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12
Q

What is the mechanism of live attenuated vaccine + examples?

A

Live organism modified to be less virulent induces an immune response

Childhood: MMR (IMPORTANT), Fluenz Tetra
Oral: Typhoid, Polio - Sabin (IMPORTANT) (historical)
Seasonal: Influenza (IMPORTANT)
Other: Yellow Fever, Varicella (IMPORTANT)

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13
Q

What are the advantages and disadvantages of live attenuated vaccines?

A

Advantages:

  • LIFELONG immunity (no boosters)
  • Activates ALL PHASES of immune response
  • Protection against CROSS-REACTIVE strains

Disadvantages:

  • REVERSION to virulence
  • SPREAD to contacts (immunodeficient)
  • REFRIGERATOR storage required
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14
Q

What vaccines should be CI in HIV patients?

A

BCG
Yellow Fever

Nb: MMR is not contraindicated

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15
Q

What are the 3 different mechanisms of inactivated vaccines?

A

Inactivated: microorganism is destroyed (heat, chemicals, radiation or antibiotics)

Toxoid: inactivated toxin components

Subunit: protein components lacking viral genetic material (unable to replicate)

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16
Q

What are examples of each type of inactivated vaccine?

A

Inactivated: Pertussis (MAIN), influenza, Hep A, Polio - Salk (MAIN), rabies, cholera (MAIN)

Toxoid: Tetanus, diphtheria

Subunit: Hepatitis B, HPV, influenza (NA + HG)

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17
Q

What are the advantages and disadvantages of inactivated vaccines?

A

Advantages:

  • No reversion risk
  • Safe in immunodeficient patients
  • Easy storage
  • Low cost

Disadvantages:

  • Limited T cell response (decreased level and longevity of protection)
  • Multiple dose requirements (boosters)
  • Immunogenicity may require enhancement (conjugation or adjuvants)
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18
Q

What are the differences between the types of Polio vaccines?

A

Polio vaccines = Sabin and Salk

Sabin = live attenuated, PO
(Outbreaks of vaccine-induced polio)

Salk = : inactivated (k for killed), IM

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19
Q

What is the mechanism + examples of conjugate vaccines?

A

Poorly immunogenic polysaccharide (Ag) paired with immunogenic protein carrier (adjuvant):

  • Polysaccharide -> transient T cell-independent B cell response
  • Protein carrier (e.g. tetanus toxoid) -> T cell response

Examples:
Tetanus toxoid is paired with Ag from polysaccharide encapsulated organisms (NHS):
- Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcal)
- Haemophilus influenzae B
- Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus)

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20
Q

What are the advantages / disadvantages of conjugate vaccines

A

Advantages:
Allows vaccination against encapsulated organisms

Disadvantages:
Boosters required

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21
Q

What are the two mechanisms of 3rd gen vaccines and some examples of each?

A

mRNA/DNA: uses
DNA/mRNA encoding Ag
Viral vector: modified virus (vector) delivers genetic code for Ag

Examples:

  • mRNA/DNA: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna
  • Viral vector: Ebola, Oxford-Astrazeneca, Janssen, Johnson-Johnson, Sputnik, CanSino
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22
Q

What are the advantages and disadvantages of 3rd generation vaccines?

A

Advantages:

  • Activates all phases of immune response (T cells and B cells)
  • Rapid and scalable production

Disadvantages:

  • mRNA/DNA: anti-vector immunity eventually develops
  • Viral vector: risk of plasmid integration into host genome
23
Q

What are the different components found within vaccines and their function?

A
  1. Stabilisers: keep vaccine chemically stable during transport
  2. Adjuvants: increase the immune response without decreasing its specificity
  3. Preservatives: used in multi-use vials to prevent contamination
  4. Antibiotics: prevent bacterial contamination during production, and are subsequently removed
  5. Trace components: left over from manufacturing process
24
Q

What is the main adjuvant used in humans? how does it work? examples of vaccines its used it

A

Aluminum salt – Slowly releases antigen, activates Gr1+ cells to produce IL4 -> B cell priming

Generally safe and mild

Used in Hep A, Hep B, Hib

25
Q

What are some other adjuvants available

A

CpG DNA – Immunostimulatory, binds to pattern recognition receptors (TLR-9) -> activate APCs

IL2 – For non-responders to HBsAg vaccine -> seroconversion

Freund’s – mycobacterial cell wall components, stimulates the immune system (not used clinically)

ISCOMs – “immune stimulating complexes” adjuvant + antigen for super response (experimental)

26
Q

What does pasive immunity involve?

A

Infusions of immunoglobulins (aka antibodies or Ig)

- can also be natural in breast milk

27
Q

what Ig can be given?

A

Specific: VZV, tetanus, rabies, Regeneron (experimental for COVID)

General: Human Normal Immunoglobulin

Used as prophylaxis in immunocompromised

28
Q

When might you give Ig? how long does it last for?

A

Prophylaxis in immunocompromised

Treatment of acute infections or poisoning

Short term (weeks to months) and no memory formed

29
Q

What can human normal immunoglobulin be used in? how is it given

A

Mx of:

  • Primary and acquired immunodeficiencies
  • ITP, Kawasaki, Guillian Barre, Measles
  • Not useful in hospitalized COVID patients

It is pooled from 1000+ donor plasma and tested for disease

can be given iv / subcut every 3-4w

30
Q

What are cytokines?

A

Small proteins important in cell signalling secreted by certain cells to have effect on other cells (eg interferons, interleukins and growth factors)

31
Q

What can be given in interferon therapy?

A

Interferon-alpha

Interferon-beta

Interferon-gamma

Interleukin-2

32
Q

Example of dendritic cell vaccine?

A

Sipuleucel-T Provenge is a personalised immunotherapy for prostate cancer

33
Q

When to give interferon alpha?

A

This is Antiviral

ABC - Alpha for Hep B and C + CML
Kaposi’s sarcoma
Hairy cell leukaemia
Multiple myeloma

34
Q

When to give interferon beta

A

This is Immunomodulatory

Behcet’s (b for beta + bechets)

Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis

35
Q

When to give interferon gamma?

A

This enhances macrophage function

Chronic Granulomatous disease

G for gamma / granulomatous

36
Q

When to give interleukin-2

A

This stimulates the T cell response - Renal cell cancer

37
Q

What are the different types of T-cell replacement therapies + their indications?

A

Viral Specific T cell therapy - Severe, persistent viral infection in immunocompromised patients

Tumour infiltrating T cell therapy - immunotherapy for metastatic cancer (e.g. melanoma)

CAR-T cell therapy - ALL and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

38
Q

What is the mechanism for Viral specific T cell tumour?

A
  1. Leukapheresis (autologous or allogenic)
  2. T cell isolation + stimulation with specific Ag
  3. Expansion of Ag-specific T cells
  4. T cells re-infused into patient
39
Q

What is the mechanism of tumour infiltrating T cell therapy?

A
  1. Tumour excision
  2. Tumour fragments expanded (incubated with IL-2)
  3. Lymphocytes infiltrating tumour isolated + expanded
  4. T cells re-infused
40
Q

What is the mechanism of CAT-T therapy?

A
  1. Leukapheresis (autologous)
  2. T cells engineered to express chimeric receptors that bind CD19 on B cells
  3. CD19 binding triggers cytotoxic killing of B cells
41
Q

What is the significance of CTLA4 and CD28 markers?

A

T cells express CTLA4 and CD28

APCs express CD80 and CD86

CTLA4-CD80 binding inhibits T cells activation
CD28-CD80 binding stimulates T cell activation

Hence tumour cells can express CD80 to evade T cells (checkpoint evasion)

42
Q

What is the significance of PD1-PD1L?

A

T cells express PD1. APCs express PD1L.

PD1-PD1L binding inhibits T cell activation.

Hence tumour cells can also express PD1L to evade T cells

43
Q

What markers can tumours express to evade T cells?

A

CD80 and PD1L

44
Q

What are immune checkpoint blockers?

A

Immune checkpoint blockers interfere with tumour immune evasion, allowing T cell activation and killing

They are:
CTLA4 inhibitors (Ipilimumab)
PD1 inhibitors (pembrolizumab and nivolimumab)
45
Q

Describe the action, indications and complications of CTLA4 inhibitors such as Ipilimumab?

A

Action: mAb binds to CTLA4 on T cells, blocking the immune checkpoint and allowing T cell activation

Indications: advanced melanoma

Complications: autoimmunity

46
Q

Describe the action, indications and complications ofPD1 inhibitors such as pembrolizumab and nivolimumab?

A

Action: mAb binds to PD1, blocking the immune checkpoint and allowing T cell activation

Indications: advanced melanoma, metastatic RCC

Complications: autoimmunity

47
Q
A 65 year old man presents with left flank pain, frank haematuria and weight loss. A chest X radiograph reveals lung metastases. Which of the following may used in his treatment?
A – IFNβ 
B – IL-6 
C – IL-2
D – IFNα 
E – IFN-γ
A

C – IL-2

48
Q

Which of the following is not a therapeutic option for metastatic melanoma?

 A – dendritic cell vaccine
B - CAR T cell therapy 
C – ipilimumab 
D – tumour infiltrating T cell therapy
E – pembrolizumab
A

B - CAR T cell therapy

49
Q

Which of the following is an indication for IVIG?

A – Severe combined immunodeficiency
B – Rabies exposure 
C – Leukocyte adhesion deficiency 
D – Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia 
E – Hepatitis B exposure
A

D – Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia - the rest require specific Ig

50
Q
A 50-year-old woman presents to her GP for an NHS check. She has HIV and is compliant with her medications. She  has recently moved to the UK and did not receive all her vaccination as a child. She has never had chickenpox. She mentions that she is going on holiday to Gambia in 2 weeks’ time. Which of the following vaccinations should she not receive?
A Hepatitis A
B Varicella
C Hepatitis B
D MMR
E Yellow Fever
A

E Yellow Fever

51
Q

A 35-year-old man develops diarrhoea with fever and malaise 24 hours after eating a take-away meal. Stool cultures reveal the source of the infection is Salmonella spp. Which antibody is responsible for protecting against gastrointestinal infections?

IgA
IgD
IgE
IgG
IgM
A

IgA - generally found in GI infections

52
Q

Which of the following is a subunit vaccine?

A. Diptheria
B. Pneumococcus
C. MMR 
D. Yellow Fever
E. HPV
A

E. HPV - capsid

53
Q

Ipilimumab is a licensed therapy in the treatment of metastatic melanoma, but which receptor does it bind to?

A. CD3
B. CTLA4
C. IL2
D. RANKL
E. TNF-alpha
A

B. CTLA4 – Ipilimumab (melanoma) -> inhibits CTLA4 -> T cell activation

A. CD3 – moromonab-CD3 (transplant rejection)
C. IL2 – Dacilizumab (transplant rejection)
D. RANKL – Denosumab (osteoporosis, bone mets pain, hypercalcaemia)
E. TNF-alpha – Infliximab (IBD)