Immunology

Question 1

What are the three major elements of the innate immune system?

Answer 1

Cells can recognize threat
- Pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs)

Phagocytic cells

• neutrophils
• monocytes –> macrophages

Executioner cells

• leucocytes (WBCs): eosinophils & basophils
• lymphocytes: natural killer (NK) cells
• PAMP-PRR binding (signal transudction –> immune cell either secretes cytotoxic chemicals or induces aoptosis in the pathogen/infected cell

Question 2

What are the major immunoglobulin sub-groups important in the adaptive immune system?

Answer 2

antibodies
B-cell receptors (BCR)
T-cell receptors (TCR)
Major histocompatability complexes (MHC)

Question 3

Name five autoimmune diseases and their main characteristic/tissue involved.

Answer 3

Hashimoto’s Disease - thyroid gland (most common form of hypothyroidism in the US)

Type I Diabetes - pancreatic beta cells

Rheumatoid Arthritis - synovial membrane of joints & other tissues (secondary immune issue: chronic inflammation)

Multiple Sclerosis – myelin sheathing (PNS & CNS) BBB provides some protection

Celiac Disease - small intestine

Question 4

T-Cells

Answer 4

x

Question 5

opsonization

Answer 5

x

Question 6

recognition of pathogens

Answer 6

x

Question 7

antigens and antibodies

Answer 7

x