Immunology Flashcards
functions of the immune system
to identify and eliminate microorganisms
what does the immune system detect?
- self and non-self
- danger signals
what can happen when the immune system goes wrong?
- recurring infections
- allergy
- autoimmune diseases
- cancer
- transplant rejection
three ways of modulating the immune system
- vaccination
- immune suppression
- cancer immunotherapy
natural barriers
- skin
- mucous membranes
- commensal bacteria
describe how skin is a line of defence
- physical barrier: tightly packed, highly keratinised cells
- physiological barrier: pH 5.5 and low oxygen tension
- sebaceous glands
describe how mucous is a natural barrier
- mucous membranes line all body cavities
- cilia to trap bacteria
- releases enzymes that kill the invading pathogen.
how are commensal bacteria a natural barrier?
compete with pathogens for resources
provision healthcare methods that breach natural barriers are?
- insertion of ‘hardware’
- antibiotics
other natural barriers
- elimination via coughing, sneezing, etc.
- sweating has lysosomes
- unfavourable pH
Three sections of the innate immune system
- leukocytes
- complement system
- inflammatory response
define innate immunity
defence mechanism present from birth that has a rapid response and is non-specific.
define adaptive (acquired) immunity
induced by presence of foreign material. Ability to distinguish self and non-self
innate immune cells that recognise non-self pathogens
- macrophages
- dendritic cells
- NK cells
- mast cells
describe macrophages
develop from circulating monocytes. Involved in phagocytosis, antigen presentation and inflammatory response.
describe dendritic cells
present in large numbers in tissues in contact with the external environment. Involved in antigen-presenting cells
describe NK cells
large granular cells that kill infection and abnormal cells
mast cells
defence against parasites and protect mucosal surfaces
name the receptors on pathogens and innate immune cells
PAMPS- pathogen associated molecular patterns
PRRs- pattern-recognition receptors
three ways pathogens can be ingested by macrophages
- pinocytosis (ingestion of fluid surrounding cells)
- receptor- mediated endocytosis
- phagocytosis
describe the action of macrophages in phagocytosis
- macrophages express PRRs
- bind to PAMPs
- pinch off to form a phagosome
- lysozyme release lysosomes that forms a phagolysosome
- debris is released
- MHC-II expressed on receptors
- pro-inflammatory mediators released
define opsonisation
coating of pathogens using opsonins to enhance phagocytosis
innate immune system against intracellular viruses
the infected cells release interferons (beta and alpha). NK cells recognise this and destroy cells.
two functions of mast cells
- degranulation: released of pro-inflammatory substances
2. gene expression: production of inflammatory mediators
how can macrophage activation be enhanced?
pro-inflammatory mediators such as interferon-gamma
chemicals released in localised acute inflammation?
nitric oxide, prostaglandins, leukotrienes, histamines, TNF-alpha (cytokines)
define chemokines
promote directional movement of cells
what do pro-inflammatory mediators do?
enter the blood and are transported to the bone marrow where they stimulate the the production of neutrophils
define trans endothelial migration
movement of neutrophils from the blood to tissues through the blood vessel wall
what do pro-inflammatory mediators change in vasculature
- tight junctions lost (increased permeability)
- dilation of venues
- expression of specific adhesion molecules (VCAMs and ICAMs)
describe the process of transendothelial migration
- white cell (neutrophil) migration in venules
- binding of neutrophils to adhesion molecules on endothelial cells (adhesion binding is promoted by histamine and TNF-alpha)
- diapedesis
- chemotaxis
- pathogens express PAMPs
define diapedesis
migration of neutrophils across the epithelium
define chemotaxis
movement of neutrophils within a tissue
three killing mechanisms of neutrophils
- phagocytosis
- degranulation
- NETs
describe neutrophils in phagocytosis
chemokine attract neutrophils and bind via PRRs. they can kill via phagolysosome or ROS
describe neutrophil granulation
release of anti-bacterial proteins that kill pathogens