Immunology Flashcards
Macrophage
The most famous phagocyte, a cell that digests pathogens whole
Leukocytes
White blood cells
Divided into:
Phagocytes, lymphocytes
Other lines of defense
Natural killer cells lose infected cells
Complement system activates inflammatory response
Interferons increase resistance of neighboring cells
Inflammatory response
White blood cells release histamine after damage to tissue
Capillaries dilate-> blood flow to area
Complement proteins released to attract phagocytes
Totipotent
Describes a cell that can work with others to produce a new organism
In animal this is often only the zygote
Pluripotent
Describes a cell that can’t produce an entire organism but can become any cell type
(Stem cells)
Multi potency
Able to give rise to many cells types but not all
Specific defense mechanism
Exists to fight against specific diseases
Lymphocytes are a major player
Lymphatic system
Network of lymph capillaries that empty into the closed circulatory system
Pressure in blood capillaries -> interstitial fluid (white blood cells water and solutes) -> forced into lymph capillaries -> go to lymph nodes, with macrophages that destroy pathogens
Antibodies
Quaternary proteins that fight antigens
Two functions:
As a receptor (B cells mature in bone marrow), the antibody searches for antigens (foreign molecule) so it can send a response to other antibodies
As effectors they circulate in the blood system to neutralize and send to macrophages
Clonal selection
When pathogen detected, two cells are made:
Plasma cells create more antibodies
Memory cells stay to provide protection in the future
Cell mediated immunity
T cells attack infected cells to eliminate pathogen, but cell must also die
Uses T cell receptors to bind to a piece of the displayed antigen
