Immunology 1s - Introduction Flashcards
Skin - how does it act as a barrier to infection?
Physical barrier: tightly packed keratinised cells
Physiological factors: low pH and low oxygen tension
Sebaceous glands: produce hydrophobic oils and lysozymes
Mucosal surface - 5 ways it acts as a barrier to infection
Physical barrier - traps invading pathogens
Mucus contains secretory IgA - binds to pathogens
Lysozyme
Lactoferrin (Starves bacteria of iron)
Cilia
Commensal bacteria - how does it act as a barrier to infection?
100tn bacteria, competes with pathogens for resources
Produce fatty acids and bactericides which inhibit pathogen growth
Polymorphonuclear cells include?
Neutrophils
Basophils/mast cells
eosinophils
Soluble component of innate immune system
Complement
Acute phase proteins
Cytokines/chemokines
How do cells of the innate immune system identify pathogens?
PRRs
What receptors do polymorphonuclear cells express?
Receptors for cytokines/chemokines to detect inflammation
PRRs
Fc receptors for Ig (Detect immune complexes)
Actions of PMNCs
Migrate rapidly to site of injury
Express cytokine/chemokine receptors, Fc for Ig, PRRs
Phagocytosis, oxidative and non-oxidative killing
Release enzymes, histamine, lipid mediators of inflammation from granuels
Release cytokines and chemokines to regulate inflammation
Mononuclear cells include?
monocytes, macrophages, lymphocytes
What do monocytes differentiate in to and where does this happen?
Differentiate in to macrophages in tissues
How do monocytes differ from PMNCs?
They are able to express processed antigen to T cells
Difference between cytokines and chemokines
CYtokines –> activate vascular endothelium and enhance vascular permeability
Chemokines –> Attract phagocytes
What do PRRs recognise?
PAMPs e.g. bacterial sugars, DNA, RNA
What process is endocytosis facilitated by?
Opsonisation
2 ways in which microorganisms are recognised by innate immune response?
- PRRs e.g. TLRs and mannose receptors
2. Fc receptors for Fc portion of Ig to recognise immune complexes
3 examples of opsonins
Antibodies - bind to Fc receptor
APPs (CRP)
Complement (bind to complement receptors
2 killing methods by PMNCs
Oxidative killing - NADPH oxidase complex converts oxygen to reactive oxygen species (superoxide and hydrogen peroxide). Myeloperoxidases: production of hydrochlorous acid (an antimicrobial) from hydrogen peroxide and chloride
Non-oxidative killing - Release of lysozyme/lactoferrin from granules into phagolysosome
What happens to neutrophils after they phagocytose a lot?
Phagocytosis depletes the glycogen reserves of the neutrophil –> die. As they die, residual enzymes are released which causes liquefaction of adjacent tissue. Accumulation of dead neutrophils in infected tissue –> pus , accumulation of pus –> abscess
What are NK cells?
A type of lymphocyte. They are cytotoxic and kill altered-self cells or virus-infected cells
What do NK cells have on their surface which allows them to recognise non-self cells?
They have an activating and inhibitory receptor. The inhibitory receptor is for self-HLA molecules to prevent mal-activation by normal self. If inhibitory receptor not activated –> lysis