Immunology Flashcards
Primary vs Secondary Lymphoid Organs
Central vs Peripheral Lymphoid Organs
Primary lymphoid organs = sites of B and T cell maturation
- thymus, bone marrow
- fetal liver
- in birds: bursa of Fabricius
- in humans: thymus and bone marrow
Secondary lymphoid organs = in which further differentiation of lymphocytes occurs
Central Lymphoid Organs: Bone marrow, thymus
Peripheral Lymphoid Organs: Spleen, lymph nodes, tonsils
Lymphocytes Maturation
All lymphocytes derive from stem cells in the bone marrow
Initially immuno-incompetent
Stem cells destined to become B lymphocytes remain in the bone marrow as they mature, while T cells migrate to thymus to undergo further growth
Mature B and T lymphocytes exit primary lymphoid organs and transported via bloodstream to secondary lymphoid organs, where become activated by contact with foreign materials (antigens)
Lymphoid progenitor cells (3)
Hematopoietic stem cells (precursors): immature cells that develop into all types of blood cells
Myeloid progenitor cells: descendants of stem cells differentiate into specialized cell types
Natural killer cells: recognize general signals of immune stress such as inflammation
B vs T cells
B and T cells recognize foreign antigens via hypervariable B cell and T cell receptors (BCRs and TCRs)
B cells: recognize free, unprocessed antigens
T cells: recognize antigens within a complex of cell surface proteins on the surface of antigen-presenting cells
T-cells –mature in thymus, effector T-cells
B-cells –mature in bone marrow, differentiate into antibody-secreting plasma cells
T cell Receptors (TCRs)
made up of 2 polypeptide chains (α &β)-compose 1 antigen binding cite
T cell receptor structure is maintained by a disulfide bond linking the 2 chains together
Types of T cells (4)
Cytotoxic T cells = Killer T cells: target cancer, virally infected, or damaged cells
Helper T cells: 3⁄4 of total T-cells, help B cells by releasing cytokines
AIDS patients, inactivated or destroyed T helper cells which leaves body unprotected against infectious disease
Memory T cells: have extended lifetime and help to recognize antigens to which they were previously exposed
Suppressor T cells: block actions of some other types of lymphocytes to keep immune system from becoming over-active
Role of Killer T cells
Secretes hole-forming proteins, called perforins, that punch round holes in membrane causing fluid to rapidly flow into cell
Release cytotoxic substance directly into attacked cell
Role of Helper T cells
Stim growth and proliferation of cytotoxic and suppressor T-cells
Stim growth and differentiation of B-cells to form plasma cells and antibodies
Activate macrophages
B cell receptors (BCRs)
made up of 4 peptides (2 light & 2 heavy chains) comprise 2 antigen-binding regions immunoglobulin (Ig)
Heavy chains can be IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, or IgE isotypes
IgM=largest antibody, 1st antibody to appear in response to initial exposure to an antigen
B cells activated in two ways:
• T cell-dependent activation – helper T cells recognize the antigen-MHC complex then deliver activating signals to B cell= clonal expansion= produce IgM= IgG
• T cell-independent activation –B cell receptor bind with antigen= produce (IgM)
Effector B cells vs Memory B cells
Effector B cells (aka plasma cells): produce antibodies
• Antibodies work as alarms to target invading agents for destruction by other immune agents like macrophages
Memory B cells: help immune system respond more quickly to future invasions by the same agent
First Line of Defense (non-specific & local)
Physical & chemical barriers include:
• Skin (physical = keratin) & (chemical = acidity and sebum (oily secretion of the sebaceous glands) have bacteriostatic effect)
• Mucous membranes (sweat, tears, stomach acid, saliva, urine flow, vaginal secretions, urine flow)
Mucous membrane secretions:
• gastric secretions contain HCl and proteolytic enzymes
• acidic vaginal secretions are bacteriostatic
• mucus traps microorganisms
Exocrine secretions:
• saliva, tears, and perspiration contain lysozyme (bacteriostatic agents)
Second Line of Defense (non-specific & local)
Includes: 1) Antimicrobial substances (such as cathelicidins), 2) Natural killer cells, 3) Phagocytes, 4) Inflammation, 5) Fever
Macrophages: have lysosomes which contain lysozyme +low pH
Natural Killer (NK) cells: look for foreign cells, MHC proteins - If MHC pr NOT present, NK cells release deadly cocktail of enzymes and chemicals
Inflammation: non-specific response triggered when tissues are injured (or infected)
• Prevent spread of toxic/harmful agent (infection)
• Eliminate cell debris and noxious agent
• Prepare the tissue for repair
***Chemicals of Inflammation (4)
Histamine: released by basophils and mast cells
o promotes vasodilation, increased capillary permeability of capillaries to WBC/pr
Kinins: plasma protein kininogen activated by enzymes from lysosomes → kinin-induce pain
Lymphokines: released by lymphocytes –enhance inflammation, and immune response
Prostaglandins: induce vasodilation and symptoms of inflammation
Stages of Inflammation
- Cell injury –Causes: mechanical trauma, thermal trauma (heat/cold), chemicals, microbes, hypoxia (deficiency of oxygen), autoimmunity
- Vascular response
Characterized by: vasodilation (increases blood flow) =hyperemia & erythemia (increase capillary permeability) =fluid accumulates at site of infection & albumin released keep fluid in bloodstream=maintenance of appropriate edema - Cellular response
Diapedesis: of leukocytes out of circulatory system and towards site of tissue damage/infection
Chemotaxins: attraction of macrophages and neutrophils to site of cell injury
Phagocytes: (neutrophils and macrophages) engulf pathogens and secrete cytotoxic chemicals
First Signs of Inflammation
Redness (rubor/erythema): capillary dilation=hyperemia (increase blood flow to the area)
Heat (hyperemia): localized heat (more blood to surface)
Swelling (tumor): hyperemia=increase tissue permeability exudation of albumin (& fibrinogen)
Pain: stim of nerve endings by edema
Inflammation chemicals: bradykinin stim pain receptor by pressure exerted by edema
Impaired function (if a joint is involved)
Edema: joint stiffness