Immunology Flashcards
What are the physical non-specific defences in the human body?
- Skin: physical barrier, preventing the entry of pathogens into the body
- Mucosa: found in various mucous membranes, serves as a protective barrier that helps trap and eliminate pathogens.
- Respiratory cilia: hair-like structures in the respiratory tract that move in coordinated waves, helping to trap and remove foreign particles, including pathogens.
- Flow of fluid in various bodily systems: such as blood and lymph, helps transport immune cells and antibodies throughout the body, enhancing the overall non-specific defence mechanism
*stomach acid very icididc can kill bugs
*saliva has enzymes which can be protective, the flow of saliva prevents bugs from getting into salivary galnds
*skin and mucosa repair rapidly
what is acute ascending parititis?
elderly
dehydrated and run down
reduced salivary flow in which bugs from mouth can move to parotid
how can our UT be infected ?
sometimes ascending infections
What is inflammation?
Inflammation is a rapid non-specific defense mechanism characterised by the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation.
how does inflammation contribute to non-specific defenses?
involves the activation of immune cells, blood vessels, and molecular mediators to eliminate the cause of cell injury, clear out damaged cells and tissues, and initiate tissue repair.
list the stages of the inflammation process
- trigger
- vasodilation and increased permeability
- chemotaxis
- phagocytosis
- releases of mediators
explain the trigger part of the inflammation process
Inflammation is triggered by various stimuli, such as infection, tissue injury, or exposure to harmful substances.
explain the vasodilation and increased permeability process of inflammation
Blood vessels in the affected area undergo vasodilation, leading to increased blood flow. This is accompanied by increased permeability of blood vessel walls, allowing proteins and cells to move from the bloodstream to the affected tissue.
explain the chemotaxis part of the inflammation process
White blood cells (leukocytes), particularly neutrophils and macrophages, are attracted to the site of inflammation through a process called chemotaxis. cytokines are released at the site of injury or infection guide these immune cells to the affected area.
explain the phagocytosis part of the inflammation process
White blood cells (phagocytes) engulf and digest foreign particles, such as bacteria or damaged cells, through a process called phagocytosis. This helps to eliminate the source of inflammation.
explain the release of mediators part of the inflammation process
Inflammation involves the release of various chemical mediators, including cytokines, histamines, and prostaglandins. These mediators play a crucial role in coordinating the inflammatory response, including vasodilation, increased permeability, and the recruitment of immune cells.
list some properties of WBC
- antimicrobial properties - WBC release reactive substances (peroxide and oxygen radicals )which react with toxins and pathogens causing them to denature
- antigen presentation - to allow immune system recognition *similar in specific defences
- antigen/ antibody uptake
- wound healing
- phagocytosis
- bone resorption
list the 5 signs of inflammation
- CALOR - heat
- RUBOR - redness
- TUMOR - swelling
- DOLOR - pain
- FUNCTIO LAESI - loss of function
what bridges the gap between non specific and specific defences?
complement cascade - this provides a rapid non specific response to triggers
what are the 3 pathways in the complement cascade ?
classical
lectin
alternative
what is the characteristic feature of the Complement Cascade?
it Increases in size as it continues to be activated, even by the smallest triggers, showcasing its amplification in response.
What is the dependency for stimulation in the classical pathway of the Complement Cascade?
activation of C1
What are some stimuli that can activate the Complement Cascade?
- Inflammation
- Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi
- Tissue Damage
- Antibodies
What is the effect of the complement pathway known as opsonization?
the process by which the complement pathway tags a pathogen or infected cell, making it more susceptible to phagocytosis
- What is the outcome of the complement pathway related to cell lysis?
destruction of pathogens or infected cells
What is one of the effects of the complement pathway in the context of the immune response?
induction of inflammation, contributing to the overall immune response.
What is Hereditary Angioedema?
an inherited deficiency of C1 esterase inhibitor, leading to uncontrolled activation of the complement cascade through the classical pathway and resulting in excess swelling, particularly in areas such as the lip, tongue, and airways
head and neck swelling
What triggers the excessive swelling in Hereditary Angioedema?
can be triggered by trivial trauma or may occur spontaneously
how do we manage hereditary angidema ?
C1 esterase inhibtor drug
and regulate complement cascade
What is meant by Specific Immunity?
the body’s ability to mount a targeted and precise immune response against specific pathogens or substances, providing a tailored defense mechanism.
What characterizes Antigen-Specific Immunity?
the immune system’s ability to recognize and respond to specific antigens, which are typically proteins, peptides, or complex molecules.
What are Antigens, and what forms can they take?
substances that can induce an immune response. They can take the form of proteins, peptides, or complex molecules, serving as triggers for the immune system
what are antibodies? what is their role in immunity?
Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, are proteins produced by the immune system in response to specific antigens. They play a crucial role in recognizing and neutralizing pathogens