Immunology Flashcards
Transcellular vs Paracellular transport
Paracellular transport involves transfer of substance across epithelium through an intercellular space between cells. This is in contrast to transcellular which is through the cell
Mucosal tissues of the human body
Lacrimal gland, salivary gland, mammary gland, kidney, urogenital tract (kidney, uterus, vagina, bladder), conjunctiva, oral cavity, sinus, trachea, oesophagus, lungs, stomach, intestine
Primary lymphoid tissue
Bone marrow and Thymus
Secondary lymphoid tissue
Spleen, Peyer’s patch in small intestine, adenoid, tonsil
What does the paracortical area of lymph node consist
Mainly T-cells
Primary lymphoid follicles in lymph node
Lymphoid follicles without germinal center. Secondary lymphoid follicles contain a germinal center (mainly with B cells)
Is there active upregulation/downregulation of immune system in GI tract
Active downregulation by inhibitory macrophage and tolerising dendritic cells, important in preventing Chrons and Ulcerative Colitis
What are peyers patches
Small masses of lymphatic tissue found throughout the Ileum region of small intestine. They monitor bacteria ad prevent growth of pathogens in the small intestine
Specialized epithelial cells with an immune function
M cells, transport antigens from lumen to cells in the Peyer’s patches. They have membrane ruffles (microvilli) to increase surface area. Dendritic cells are also closely associated with these M cells.
Why do Peyer’s patch shown up as bright purple in histological stains
Due to the presence of lymphocytes. They are inactivated and hence have small cytoplasm.
Process of T cell activation by M cells
M cells take up antigen via phagocytosis or endocytosis. Antigen is transported across M cells in vesicles and released at basal surface. Dendritic cells take up this antigen, which activate T cells.
Can dendritic cell process extend into the lumen across the epithelial layer
Yes, to capture antigen from the gut
Immune cells of GI tract epithelium
CD8+ T cells and Dendritic Cells
Immune cells of lamina propria of GI tract
CD4 + T cells, Macrophage, Mast cells, Dendritic cell, IgA and Plasma cell
Receptors for T cell entry to Payer’s patches from vessel
CCR7 and L-Selectin
Process of T cell entry into the gut
T cells enter Payer’s patch from blood vessel directed by homing receptor CCR7 and L-Selectin. T cells encounter antigen transported across M cells and become activated by dendritic cells. Activated T cells drain via mesenteric lymph nodes to thoracic duct and return to gut via blood stream.
Protein expressed on endothelial cells of the blood vessels that bind to effector T cells
Addressin or MAdCAM-1 is a protein which are ligands to homing receptors of lymphocytes. Once in the endothelium, gut epithelial cells secrete cytokines specific for gut-homing T cells
Divide the mucosal immune system into inductive and effector sites.
Inductive sites are collectively called Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT). These include Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue (GALT), Nasopharyngeal-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (NALT) and lymphoid sites. Effector sites can be the lamina propria region of GI tract, upper respiratory tract and reproductive tracts
What is Addressin commonly known as
MAdCAM-1 protein
What is gut specific homing
Mechanism by which activated T-cells and antibody secreting cells are targeted to inflamed and non-inflamed regions of the gut