Immunology

Question 1

Name 3 important structural proteins found in the keratin layer and epidermis of skin

Answer 1

Filaggrin
Involucrin
Keratin

Question 2

What is the alternative name for the keratin layer of skin?

Answer 2

Stratum corneum

Question 3

Keratinocytes produce antimicrobial peptides (AMP) that can directly kill pathogens. True/False?

Answer 3

True

Act like antibiotics (non-cell-mediated immunity)

Question 4

Can keratinocytes produce cytokines and chemokines?

Answer 4

Yes

Question 5

Where are Langerhans cells located in the epidermis?

Answer 5

Prickle cell layer

Question 6

Langerhans cells are the main skin immune cell. True/False?

Answer 6

True

Question 7

How do Langerhans cells aid the immune response?

Answer 7

Produce liquid antigen/microbial fragments and present them to T-cells

Question 8

What characterises Langerhans cells?

Answer 8

Birbeck granule

Question 9

Healthy skin contains a large number of T-cells. The epidermis mainly contains CD4 T-cells. True/False?

Answer 9

False
Epidermis mainly contains CD8 cells
CD4 and CD8 are found in the dermis

Question 10

CD4 Th_ cells are associated with psoriasis
CD4 Th_ cells are associated with atopic dermatitis
CD4 Th_ cells are associated with psoriasis + atopic dermatitis

Answer 10

CD4 Th1 cells are associated with psoriasis
CD4 Th2 cells are associated with atopic dermatitis
CD4 Th17 cells are associated with psoriasis + atopic dermatitis

Question 11

What is the function of TH1 cells?

Answer 11

Activate macrophages to destroy microorganisms

Question 12

What is the function of TH2 cells?

Answer 12

Help B cells to make antibodies

Question 13

What is the function of dermal dendritic cells?

Answer 13

Antigen presenting

Cyto/chemo -kine secretion

Question 14

What is the function of plasmacytoid dendritic cells?

Answer 14

Produce IFN-alpha

Question 15

MHC I present exogenous antigen to CD8 cells. True/False?

Answer 15

False

They present endogenous antigen to CD8 cells

Question 16

MHC II present exogenous antigen to CD4 cells. True/False?

Answer 16

True

Question 17

Psoraisis is triggered by environmental factors in genetically susceptible individuals. True/False?

Answer 17

True

Question 18

Psoraisis lesions can be restored to normal state following effective therapy, even though there is chronic inflammation. True/False?

Answer 18

True

Question 19

It is common for psoraisis plaques to become squamous cell carcinoma. True/False?

Answer 19

False (rare)

Question 20

In psoraisis, the keratinocytes are stressed. Activated T-cells produce cytokines and IL-17A. What is the significance/function of IL-17A?

Answer 20

Stimulates keratinocyte proliferation, AMP release and neutrophilic killing
Basically acts as a synapsis between skin and immune system

Question 21

People with atopic eczema always have dry skin. True/False?

Answer 21

True

Question 22

Gene mutations for which protein are associated with severe/early atopic eczema?

Answer 22

Fillagrin

Question 23

How does a broken down skin barrier cause eczema?

Answer 23

Exposed skin is sensitised to allergen and promotes colonisation by microorganisms

Question 24

Allergic type 1 hypersentivity reactions typically occurs within minutes up to hours. What are the principle skin reactions that occur?

Answer 24

Urticaria

Angioedema

Question 25

List step-up therapy for allergic reactions

Answer 25

Antihistamine
Prednisolone
Adrenaline

Question 26

Allergic contact dermatitis is an example of which hypersensitivity reaction?

Answer 26

Type IV

Question 27

What is the time period for type IV hypersensitivity reactions?

Answer 27

24-48hrs