Immunology and Bio-Chemistry

Question 1

Factors that contribute to skin as an immunological system include: (7)

Answer 1

Structure​
=Eg. keratin layer (stratum corneum), stratification​

Cell types​
=Immune system cells and keratinocytes​

Cytokines, chemokines, eicosanoids, antimicrobial peptides​
=Chemical signals/molecules that influence cell behaviour or help target pathogens​

Genetics​

Question 2

Non-specific (innate) immunity​ (4)

Answer 2

Ancient, invertebrates​
No memory​
Non-specific​- Eg. stratum corneum​
First line​

Question 3

Specific (adaptive) immunity (5)

Answer 3

Vertebrates​
Memory​
Highly specific​- Eg. antibodies​
Tolerance​
Self-limiting​

Question 4

Normal & Pathogenic Immune Responses (4)

Answer 4

Normal Immune Response​= Infection controlled

Immunodeficiency= Infection not controlled Tumours may form​

Hypersensitivity= Overreaction to antigen​

Autoimmunity​
=Reaction to host tissue​
Chronic inflammation​

Question 5

Keratin Layer/Epidermis​ (3)

Answer 5

The keratin layer:​Stratum Corneum​

Tough, lipid rich, physical barrier.​

Formed by terminal differentiation of keratinocytes to corneocytes.

Question 6

Epidermis​ (6)

Answer 6

Keratinocytes (KC) in the epidermis:​

Structural and functional cells of the epidermis

Produce antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that can directly kill pathogens
=AMPs have been found at high levels in skin of patients with psoriasis​

Produce cytokines and chemokines
=Recruit and regulate cells of the adaptive and innate immune system (eg. in psoriasis)​