Immunology Flashcards
What does the term SPUR infection stand for?
Serious infections
Persistent infections
Unusual infections
Recurrent infections
Name the two classifications of immunodeficiencies
Primary and secondary
Are secondary immunodeficiencies rare or common?
common
Are primary immunodeficiencies rare or common?
rare
What conditions are associated with secondary immune deficiencies?
infection, treatment interventions, malignancy, biochem. + nutritional disorders
What cells are phagocytes?
neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages
What are the functions of phagocytes?
Initiate and amplify immune response, ingest and kill microorganism, produce inflammatory molecules which regulate other components of immune system
Recticular dysgenesis causes what in the immune system?
failure of stem cells to differentiate along myeloid line -no neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes/macrophages or platelets
Kostmann syndrome causes what in the immune system?
failure of neutrophil maturation
Kostmann syndrome is what kind of condition?
An autosomal recessive condition
Describe leukocyte adhesion deficiency
Caused by a genetic defect in leucocyte integrins (CD18). Results in failure of neutrophil adhesion and migration.
What occurs when there is failure of oxidative killing mechanisms?
Excessive inflammation. Failure to degrade chemo attractants and antigens. Persistent accumulation of neutrophils, activated macrophages and lymphocytes. All leads to granuloma formation
NBT (nitroblue tetrazolium) test is used to what?
investigate chronic granuloma disease. Dye is sensitive to hydrogen peroxide which causes a colour change
What can anti - TNF drugs do?
Reactivate latent TB
where are T lymphocytes matured and how many survive?
The thymus. 10%
Where do T cell reside?
The lymph nodes and secondary lymphoid follicles
What is a CD4+ T lytmphocytes’ function?
Immunoregulatory and recognises peptides presented on HLA Class II molecules
What is a CD8+ T lytmphocytes’ function?
Cytotoxic cells. Kills cells directly by producing perforin, triggering apoptosis and secreting cytokines. Particularly important in the defence against viral infections and tumours
What are the functions of B lymphocytes?
Antibody production and antigen presentation
What does SCID stand for?
Severe combined immunodeficiency
What is DiGeorge syndrome?
THe deletion of chromosome 22q11. Causes developmental defect of 3rd/4th pharyngeal pouch. A funny looking kid, low set ears abnormally folded ears, high forehead, cleft palate, small mouth and jaw, oesophageal atresia, T cell lymphopenia, complex congenital heart disease
