Immunology Flashcards
Name 3 important structural proteins found in the keratin layer and epidermis of skin
Filaggrin
Involucrin
Keratin
What is the alternative name for the keratin layer of skin?
Stratum corneum
Keratinocytes produce antimicrobial peptides (AMP) that can directly kill pathogens. True/False?
True
Act like antibiotics (non-cell-mediated immunity)
Can keratinocytes produce cytokines and chemokines?
Yes
Where are Langerhans cells located in the epidermis?
Prickle cell layer
Langerhans cells are the main skin immune cell. True/False?
True
How do Langerhans cells aid the immune response?
Produce liquid antigen/microbial fragments and present them to T-cells
What characterises Langerhans cells?
Birbeck granule
Healthy skin contains a large number of T-cells. The epidermis mainly contains CD4 T-cells. True/False?
False
Epidermis mainly contains CD8 cells
CD4 Th_ cells are associated with psoriasis
CD4 Th_ cells are associated with atopic dermatitis
CD4 Th_ cells are associated with psoriasis + atopic dermatitis
CD4 Th1 cells are associated with psoriasis
CD4 Th2 cells are associated with atopic dermatitis
CD4 Th17 cells are associated with psoriasis + atopic dermatitis
What is the function of TH1 cells?
Activate macrophages to destroy microorganisms
What is the function of TH2 cells?
Help B cells to make antibodies
What is the function of dermal dendritic cells?
Antigen presenting
Cyto/chemo -kine secretion
What is the function of plasmacytoid dendritic cells?
Produce IFN-alpha
MHC I present exogenous antigen to CD8 cells. True/False?
False
They present endogenous antigen to CD8 cells
MHC II present exogenous antigen to CD4 cells. True/False?
True
Psoraisis is triggered by environmental factors in genetically susceptible individuals. True/False?
True
Psoraisis lesions can be restored to normal state following effective therapy, even though there is chronic inflammation. True/False?
True
It is common for psoraisis plaques to become squamous cell carcinoma. True/False?
False
In psoraisis, the keratinocytes are stressed. Activated T-cells produce cytokines and IL-17A. What is the significance/function of IL-17A?
Stimulates keratinocyte proliferation, AMP release and neutrophilic killing
Basically acts as a synapsis between skin and immune system
People with atopic eczema always have dry skin. True/False?
True
Gene mutations for which protein are associated with severe/early atopic eczema?
Fillagrin
How does a broken down skin barrier cause eczema?
Exposed skin is sensitised to allergen and promotes colonisation by microorganisms
Allergic type 1 hypersentivity reactions typically occurs within minutes up to hours. What are the principle skin reactions that occur?
Urticaria
Angioedema