Immunology Flashcards
Why might asthma prevalence be increasing?
Too clean an environment so we produce an overreactive response
examples of anti-inflammatory/immunosuppressive drugs
antihistamine, aspirin, ibuprofen, cortisol steroids
what are the two branches of immunity?
innate (natural) and acquired (adaptive)
examples of innate (natural) immunity?
physical barriers, soluble factors and immune cells
examples of soluble factors that are innate
cytokines, acute phase proteins, inflammatory mediators, complement proteins
examples of acquired (adaptive) immunity
soluble factors and immune cells
examples of soluble factors that are acquired (adaptive)
cytokines and antibodies
pathogens points of entry
digestive system, respiratory system, urogenital system, skin damage
when is innate immunity induced and how long does it take to respond?
present from birth rapid response (mins-hrs)
when is acquired immunity induced and how long does it take to respond?
induced by the presence of foreign materials slow response (days)
is innate immunity specific or non-specific?
non-specific
is acquired immunity specific or non-specific?
specific for each antigen encountered
three modes of ingestion of bacteria and fungi by macrophages?
pinocytosis, receptor-mediated endocytosis and phagocytosis
what is pinocytosis?
ingestion of fluid surrounding cells
what is receptor-mediated endocytosis?
molecules bound to membrane receptors are internalised
what is in lysosomes that allow them to break down cells?
acidic Ph and enzymes
what is a macrophage?
a type of phagocyte
what are mast cells full of?
granules rich in histamine and heparin
what is opsonisation?
the coating of pathogens by soluble factors (opsonins) to enhance phagocytosis
examples of opsonins
C3b
C-reactive protein
IgG/IgM
where are low levels of inactive complement system proteins found?
in the extracellular fluids
what activates complement system proteins?
pathogens
what does the activation of complement system proteins trigger?
a fast and powerful cascade of chemical reactions
what does the cascade of chemical reactions promote?
opsonisation of pathogens, direct pathogen killing, acute inflammation and leukocyte recruitment