Immunology Flashcards
Intrinsic defense systems that act both independently and cooperatively to provide resistance to disease.
Immunity
Consists of the first line of defense, skin barriers, and the second line of defense, antimicrobial proteins and phagocytes. Always prepared to respond to protect the body from foreign substances.
Innate Defense System (Nonspecific)
Consists of the third line of defense. Responds to identified foreign substances.
Adaptive Defense System (Specific)
A functional system, rather than an organ system, involved in the immune response.
Immune System
Harmful or disease causing microorganisms.
Pathogens
Consists of skin, vaginal, and stomach secretions that inhibit bacterial growth.
Acid Mantle
Enzymes found in saliva, respiratory mucus, and lacrimal fluid of the eye that destroy bacteria.
Lysozymes
Protein that when dissolved in water forms a thick, sticky mucus that lines the digestive and respiratory passageway and traps many microorganisms.
Mucin
Broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptides secreted by mucous membranes and skin.
Defensins
Receptors that recognize molecules with specific shapes that are part of infectious organisms.
Pattern Recognition Receptors
A class of pattern recognition receptors that each recognize a particular class of attacking microbe.
Toll-like Receptors (TLRs)
The most abundant type of white blood cell. Becomes phagocytic on encountering infectious material in the tissues.
Neutrophils
The most voracious phagocytes. Derive from monocytes that leave the bloodstream and enter the tissues.
Macrophages
Consists of a foreign particle enclosed within a membrane-lined vesicle. Formed when a phagocyte engulfs particulate matter.
Phagosome
Formed when a phagosome fuses with a lysosome.
Phagolysosome
Promotes killing of pathogens by liberating a deluge of highly destructive free radicals, producing oxidizing chemicals, and increasing the phagolysosome’s pH and osmolarity, which activates other protein-digesting enzymes.
Respiratory Burst
Consists of complement proteins and antibodies.
Opsonins
Process where pathogens are coated with opsonins.
Opsonization
A group of defensive cells that can kill cancer cells and virus-infected body cells before the adaptive immune system is activated. Not phagocytic, but induce apoptosis.
Natural Killer (NK) Cells
A nonspecific response to any tissue injury. Prevents spread of damaging agents to nearby tissues, disposes of cell debris and pathogens, alerts the adaptive immune system, and sets the stage for repair. Signs include redness, heat, swelling, and pain.
Inflammation
A component of the inflammatory response. Release histamine.
Mast Cells
An inflammatory chemical released by mast cells.
Histamine
Other inflammatory chemicals (List 3)
Kinins, Prostaglandins, Cytokines
A group of plasma proteins that activate during the inflammatory response and form inflammatory chemicals
Complement
Caused by vasodilation of local arterioles. Brings more cells and chemicals of the immune system to the injured area.
Hyperemia
Fluid containing clotting factors and antibodies.
Exudate
Swelling
Edema
First phase of phagocyte mobilization. Injured cells release chemicals, causing neutrophils to enter the blood from red bone marrow.
Leukocytosis
Chemicals released by injured cells to increase the number of white blood cells.
Leukocytosis-inducing Factors
Second phase of phagocyte mobilization. Refers to the phenomenon of phagocytes clinging to the inner walls of the capillaries and post capillary venules.
Margination.
Third phase of phagocyte mobilization. Prompts the neutrophils to flatten and squeeze between endothelial cells of the capillary walls.
Diapedesis
Fourth phase of phagocyte mobilization. Neutrophils migrate up a gradient of inflammatory chemicals to the site of injury.
Chemotaxis
Inflammatory chemicals that act as homing devices for neutrophils and other WBCs
Chemotactic Agents
Substances that can mobilize the adaptive defenses. Large, complex molecules that are foreign.
Antigens
Antigens that are immunogenic and reactive. Includes virtually all foreign proteins, large polysaccharides, and some lipids and nucleic acids.
Complete Antigens
The ability to stimulate specific lymphocytes to proliferate.
Immunogenicity
The ability to react with the activated lymphocytes and antibodies release by immunogenic reactions.
Reactivity.
Small molecules that are not immunogenic, but can link up with the body’s own proteins. This combination is recognized by the adaptive immune system as foreign.
Hapten (Incomplete Antigen)
The part of the antigen that is immunogenic. Antibodies or lymphocyte receptors bind to these.
Antigenic Determinants
Type of cell surface glycoprotein that identify a cell as self.
Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) Proteins