Immunology Flashcards
Where and why does the T-cell undergo its education ?
In the thymus. To avoid self recognition and avoid populating in the peripheral lymphoid tissue.
Where does B-cell and T-cell activate ?
In the peripheral tissue they become mature effector cell.
What are cytokines ?
Small polypeptides released by a cell to change the function of another cell. Chemical messenger found in the immune system that are therapeutic agent and target of therapeutic agent.
What are the characteristics of a cytokine ?
Pleiotropy = can have different effect depending on the cell
Autocrine function = can modulate the excreting cell
Paracrine and endocrine function = can modulate nearby cells or cells at remote sites
Synergistic activity = can act together to achieve greater effect
What are the main immune cytokines ?
The interferons (IFNs) and the interleukins (ILs)
What do chemokines do ?
They attract cells along a gradient of concentration : from the blood into the tissue, from the tissue into the lymphatics
They can activate immune cells
What are cluster of differentiation ?
Those are molecules at the surface of the immune cells that they use to mediate immunological function. They define the origin and function of a selected group of cells and allow us to distinguish them and are used in clinical setting.
