Immunology and biochemistry Flashcards
What are Langerhans cells in the epidermis?
Antigen presenting cells that intersperse with keratinocytes
What are epidermal Langerhans cells characterised by?
Birbeck granules
What underlying mechanism is responsible for urticaria?
IgE / mast cell activation
What underlying mechanism is responsible for skin tumours?
Immunosuppression
What underlying mechanism is responsible for psoriasis?
Environmental factors in genetically susceptible individuals
What three cytokines can be targeted to help treat psoriasis?
TNF alpha
IL17
IL23
What two cytokines can be targeted in the treatment of eczema?
IL4
IL13
What often leads to severe / early onset eczema?
Mutations in fillagrin gene
What is type I hypersensitivity reactions mediated by?
IgE antibodies
It is a response that causes degranulation of mast cells
What is type II hypersensitivity mediated by?
IgG and IgM antibodies
What is type III hypersensitivity mediated by?
Immune complexes
What is type IV hypersensitivity mediated by?
TH1 cells
Which type of hypersensitivity reaction has the most rapid response time?
Type I hypersensitivity - allergy
Which type of hypersensitivity typically occurs 24-48 hours after contact with allergen?
Type IV hypersensitivity
Delayed-type hypersensitivity response
Which type of T cells are found mainly in the epidermis?
CD8+ T cells
Which type of T cells are found mainly in the dermis?
CD4+ T cells
