Immunology Basics Flashcards
What are pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs)?
characteristic structural molecules pf invading microbes which are recognized by the innate immune system
What are damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) or alarmins?
characteristic molecules released by damaged cells which are recognized by the innate immune system
- can be released when cells die (intracellular)
- can be caused when connective tissue is damaged (extracellular)
- can be released by stimulated sentinel cells
What is the memory of the innate immune system?
minimal
each infection is treated similarly no matter how many times an invader is encountered
Which are cytokines are considered the most important for initiating and mediating innate responses and inflammation?
IL-1
IL-6
IL-8
TNF-a (most potent inducer of inflammation)
What are the components of cellular innate immunity?
Sentinel cells
- Macrophages
- Mast cells
- Dendritic cells
- Neutrophils (not always considered one)
Non-specific leukocytes
- Macrophages
- Neutrophils
- Lymphoid cells (NK)
- Basophils
- Eosinophils
What are the components of the humoral innate immune response?
Complement system
Natural antibodies
Acute-phase proteins
Antimicrobial peptides
Soluble lectins
What is innate immunity?
early, rapid response to block invasion and minimize tissue damage
- primarily within minutes to hours of exposure
generic response to common structures with no memory
sentinel cells detect then recruit other cells
- helps direct later adaptive immune response
main process by which invading microbes are destroyed
What is the potency of the innate immune system?
It can be overwhelmed (whereas the adaptive is rarely overwhelmed)
What do PAMPs and DAMPs bind to?
Preformed pattern recognition receptors (PRRs)
- mostly on cell membranes, cytosol, or in cytoplasmic vesicles
- some are soluble and in blood
What are the PAMPs associated with gram positive bacteria?
peptidoglycans and lipoteichoic acid in their walls
(CD14, PGRPs, NOD1)
What are the PAMPs associated with gram negative bacteria?
lipopolysaccharides and peptidoglycans in their walls
(CD14, TLR4)
What are the PAMPs associated with acid-fast bacteria?
the glycolipids covering them
(CD1, TLR4, NOD)
What are the PAMPs associated with yeast?
mannan or b-glucan in their walls
What happens when PRRs are activated
Cytokines are released –> recruits more WBCs, activates adaptive immunity
Changes to blood flow –> more emigration of WBCs –> kill invader
Activate anti-microbial molecules –> kill invader
What are the soluble PRRs?
Collectins
Ficolins
Complement
Pentraxins
What are the PRRs found within vesicles (endosome)?
TLR 3, 7, 8, 9
What are the cytoplasmic PRRs?
Rig-1
NOD-like
Peptidoglycan receptors
DNA receptors
What are the membrane-bound PRRs?
TLR 1, 2, 4, 5, 6
Lectins
Mannose receptor
Langerin
Dectins
Integrins
Scavenger receptors
What are Toll-like receptors?
Most significant family of PRRs
Mammals have 10-12 of them
Can be on neutrophils, macrophages, mast cells, dendritic cells, epithelial cells, and T/B cells and, as a rule, are present:
- cell membranes for bacteria/fungus/parasites
- inside the cells for viruses
Also found in bone marrow
What type of receptor is a Toll-like receptor?
A transmembrane glycoprotein
- most are homodimers but can form heterodimers
- can form chain pairs so can bind almost all known PAMPs
What happens when a bacterial PAMP binds to a TLR?
Activate MyD88 –> activate NF-kB and IRF3 –> gene activation
*in all except TLR3 which does the TRIF pathway
What activates the inactive precursors to cytokines?
Caspase-1 (triggered by the inflammasome)
Where is TLR 1 and what does it do?
Location: cell surface
Ligand: lipoprotein
Pathogen recognized: bacteria (all kinds)
Where is TLR 2 and what does it do?
Location: cell surface
Ligand: lipoprotein
Pathogen recognized: bacteria (esp G+), viruses, and parasites
* ex for Demodex
* very important!
Where is TLR 3 and what does it do?
Location: intracellular
Ligand: double-stranded RNA (also some ssRNA and dsRNA viruses)
Pathogen recognized: viruses (ex. Reoviridae)
Where is TLR 4 and what does it do?
Location: cell surface
Ligand: lipopolysaccharides of G- bacteria
Pathogen recognized: bacteria (G-), viruses
- very important!
- binding to TLR4 in the bone marrow stimulates production of WBC
Where is TLR 5 and what does it do?
Location: cell surface
Ligand: flagellin of bacteria
Pathogen recognized: bacteria
Where is TLR 6 and what does it do?
Location: cell surface
Ligand: lipoprotein
Pathogen recognized: bacteria and viruses
Where is TLR 7 and what does it do?
Location: intracellular
Ligand: single-stranded RNA, guanosine
Pathogen recognized: viruses (ex. Caliciviridae, Flaviviridae, Arteriviridae and Coronaviridae) and bacteria
*targeted by imiquimod
Where is TLR 8 and what does it do?
Location: intracellular
Ligand: single-stranded RNA
Pathogen recognized: viruses (ex. Caliciviridae, Hepeviridae, Flaviviridae, Arteriviridae and Coronaviridae) and bacteria
Where is TLR 9 and what does it do?
Location: intracellular
Ligand: double-stranded DNA, CpG DNA (from bacteria and protozoa)
Pathogen recognized: viruses (ex. Papillomaviridae, Polyomaviridae, Adenoviridae, and Herpesviridae), bacteria, and protozoa
Where is TLR 10 and what does it do?
Location: intracellular
Ligand: regulates TLR 2 responses
Pathogen recognized: suppressed inflammation
*found in humans, cattle, and sheep but not mice
Which TLR is considered most important for recognition of gram positive bacteria?
TLR 2
Which TLR is considered most important for recognition of gram negative bacteria?
TLR 4
needs to be linked by MD-2, LPD, and CD14 first
Which TLRs are considered most important for recognition of acid fast bacteria?
TLR 2 and TLR 4
and TLR1/TLR6 that heterodimerise with TLR2
Which Toll-like receptor is considered most important for recognition of fungi?
TLR 2, TLR 4, and TLR 9
Which TLRs are found on the plasma membrane?
TLR 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6
Which TLRs are found on the endosome?
TLR 3, 7, 8, and 9
Which TLR is targeted by imiquimod?
TLR 7
Which TLR is important for Demodex?
TLR2 gene is upregulated (classically the one for remembering them) and might be responsible for Demodex-induced clinical manifestations, while TLR4 and TLR6 gene down-regulations could be the paramount strategy of Demodex mites to elude the host-immune interface
Which TLRs are considered most important for the recognition of single-stranded RNA viruses?
TLR 7 and TLR 8
Which TLR is considered most important for the recognition of double-stranded RNA viruses?
TLR 3
Which TLR is considered most important for the recognition of double-stranded DNA viruses?
TLR 9
Which TLR is considered most important for the recognition of parasites (not protozoa)?
TLR2
TLR 4 may help control growth
Which TLRs are considered most important for the recognition of protozoa?
TLR 9, 11, 12
* TLR 2 and TLR 4 may be involved for cutaneous leishmaniasis
The C-type lectin receptor mannose receptor might help
What are the three major cytokines does NF-kB activate the genes for?
IL-1
IL-6
TNF-a
That is the primary thing that IRF3 activates the gene for?
Type 1 interferons (IFN-b)
What are RIG-like receptors?
Another family of PRRs
Within cells
Detect double-stranded RNA viruses
What are NOD-like receptors?
A family of PRRs that recognize intracellular PAMPs
activates NF-κB pathway → triggers production of proinflammatory cytokines
What does NOD-1 bind?
bacterial peptidoglycans
What does NOD-2 bind?
muramyl dipeptide
is a general sensor of intracellular bacteria
triggers production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and defensin
What does NOD-3 bind?
Viruses and inorganic particles
Which TLR recognizes bacterial DNA?
TLR9 because it recognizes CpG DNA
Which DAMP binds TLR2 and TLR4 to sustain and prolong inflammation?
HMGB1
normally helps fold DNA
released by macrophages and damaged cells
What does the release or administration of HMGB1 do?
sustain/prolong inflammation
trigger septic shock (via TNF-a and IL-8)
stimulates angiogenesis and tissue repair
antimicrobial activity
Which cytokine is stored within cells and is a potent DAMP?
IL-33
What is apoptosis?
“normal” way that unwanted cells are eliminated
- extrinsic pathway = external molecules cause a cascade of caspases that cause mitochondrial permeability
- intrinsic pathway = intracellular events cause release of cytochrome c and activation of caspase 9
What is pyroptosis?
cell death initiated by response to infections or irritants that result in the production of an inflammasome
mediated by caspase 1 and 11
causes release of IL-1 and IL-8 = more inflammation
What is necroptosis?
triggered by death receptors like TLR-signaling
results in release of DAMPs like HMGB1 and IL-33
What are the common extracellular DAMPs?
Heparan sulfate
Hyaluronic acid
Fibrinogen
Collagen-derived peptides
Laminin
Elastin
*all things that form the extracellular matrix of the dermis
What are the common intracellular DAMPs?
HMGB1
Anti-microbial peptides (cathelicidins, defensins)
Uric acid
Chromatin
Heat shock proteins
Adenosine
S100 proteins
Lactoferrin
What TLR does heparan sulfate bind to?
TLR 4
What are soluble pattern recognition receptors?
Function in the extracellular fluid to promote phagocytosis of things that don’t typically trigger cytokines
- include carbohydrate-binding lectins
What are P-type lectins?
Pentraxins
- C-reactive protein
- Serum amyloid P
bind to the bacterial LPS in a Ca2+ dependent way
activate the classical complement cascade (C1q)
interact with cells of the innate immune system to boost effect
What are C-type lectins?
Need Ca2+ to bind to carbohydrates
found on macrophages, mast cells, and dendritic cells
Includes:
- dectins (important for Malassezia)
- mannose-binding lectin: opsonize bacteria and activate complement
- selectins: on endothelial cells and play a role in migration of WBCs
How does pain contribute to innate immunity?
Pain causes sensory nerves to release bioactive peptides
What are the 3 major cytokines released by sentinel cells when PRRs are activated?
TNF-a (produced first)
IL-1 (produced second, in waves)
IL-6 (produced last)
What cells produce TNF-a?
*Sentinel cells of the innate immune system
Endothelial cells
Lymphocytes (T-cells and B-cells)
Fibroblasts
Keratinocytes
What are the two primary pathways in the innate immune response that lead to the production of TNF-a?
Activation of TLRs
Activation from molecules secreted from nerves (ex. neurokinin-1)
How does TNF-a promote inflammation?
*Promotes migration of leukocytes into tissue
- Triggers changes in small blood vessels (vasodilation/leakage)
- Activates endothelial adhesion molecules
- Triggers production of cytokines and chemokines (esp. IL-1, 6, 8)
Induces acute phase proteins
Promotes granuloma formation
- Activates procoagulants
Later facilitates transition from innate to adaptive immunity
Other than production of cytokines and chemokines to recruit additional cells, how does TNF-a amplify and prolong inflammation?
promotes macrophages synthesis of nitric oxide and cyclooxygenase
activates mast cells
What cells does TNF-a activate?
Mast cells
Vascular endothelium
Macrophages
Lymphocytes
Neutrophils
Fibroblasts
What are the effects of TNF-a on collagen synthesis and bone resorption?
Enhances them
What are some of the toxic effects of TNF-a?
Kills tumor cells
Septic chock (via TNFR1 and TNFR2)
Sickness behavior
Altered lipid metabolism
What cells produce IL-1?
Macrophages and many others
*very stimulated by CD14 & TLR4
How does IL-1 promote inflammation?
*Promotes migration of leukocytes into tissue
Stimulates macrophages to make NO2 and COX-2
Enhances Th2 cytokine production
Promotes eosinophil and basophil degranulation
Acts on muscles to mobilize amino acids (pain and fatigue)
Promotes production of acute phase proteins by the liver
Promotes collagen, chondrocyte, fibroblast, and keratinocyte activity
How does IL-1 affect the nervous system?
Induces fever
Sickness behavior (lethargy, decreased appetite, etc)
Which member of the IL-1 family is the most active pyrogenic cytokine?
IL-1b
(IL-1a remains bound to the cell surface of macrophages)
How does IL-1 affect blood flow?
triggers changes in small blood vessels
IFN-y synthesis
Integrin expression
What are the most important IL-1 receptors?
CD121a (signaling receptor)
- can be bound by IL-1RA which blocks effect
CD121b (antagonist)
What cells produce IL-6?
Macrophages
Lymphocytes (mostly T)
Mast cells
also dendritic cells, basophils, eosinophils, fibroblasts, keratinocytes, myocytes
What triggers cells to produce IL-6?
Bacterial
IL-1
TNF-a
How does IL-6 contribute to inflammation?
- Stimulate hepatocytes to produce acute-phase proteins
Affects T cells- stimulates Th2 response
- activates Th17
- suppressed Treg cells
- enhances cytotoxicity
Activates B cells and enhances IgA production
May promote change from early neutrophil to later macrophage response
How does IL-6 have an anti-inflammatory effect?
Can inhibit some actions of TNF-a and IL-1
Promotes production of IL-1RA
Promotes production of IL-10
What are chemokines?
Family of 50+ small proteins that coordinate migration of leukocytes
4 classes based on structure but most are CXCL or CCL based on whether or not the two cysteines are next to each other
Which chemokines attract and activate neutrophils?
*CXCL8 (aka IL-8)
also attracted by CXCL2 (aka MIP-2) which is made by macrophages
Which cells do CCL4 attract?
CD4+ T cells
Which cells do CCL2 attract?
Monocytes
also activates them by stimulating respiratory burst and lysosomal enzyme release
Which chemokines are structurally similar to defensins and therefore have antimicrobial properties?
CXCL4
CCL20
CCL5
Which genotype in cattle is impaired neutrophil migration associated with?
A specific CXCR2 genotype
This is a receptor for CXCL-8 (also CXCL1 and 7)
What are the 5 cardinal signs of inflammation?
Heat
Redness
Swelling
Pain
Loss of function
What are the 3 main changes that occur in small blood vessels in the area of infection, leading to inflammation?
technically first capillaries constrict so that leukocytes can bind vessel wall
1) arterioles dilate = more blood flow
2) capillaries become more permeable = transudate (immediate)
3) leukocytes migrate through venule walls = exudate (several hours later)
lymph will accumulate due to this and take contents to regional nodes
What are the vasoactive amines?
Histamine
Serotonin
How does histamine contribute to inflammation?
- released from mast cells
- has receptors on many cells
- stimulates endothelial cells to produce NO2
–> dilates vessels and causes leakage - increases TLRs on sentinel cells
How does serotonin contribute to inflammation?
vasoconstriction to increase blood pressure
can increase vascular permeability in rodents (but not others)
What are the vasoactive peptides?
Kinins (esp. bradykinin)
includes substance-P and neurokinin
How do kinins contribute to inflammation?
Increase vascular permeability
Also trigger pain receptors and stimulate neutrophils
May have antimicrobial properties
What are the vasoactive lipids?
Aka eicosanoids
-Leukotrienes
- Prostaglandin
- platelet-activating factor (PAF)
How do eicosanoids contribute to inflammation?
Act as locally active hormones
Have many diverse biological effects, most are pro-inflammatory
How are leukotrienes formed in response to inflammation?
Inflammasome activates phospholipases (PLs) –>
PLA2 breaks down phospholipids from cell wall => arachidonic acid
5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) breaks down arachidonic acid => leukotrienes
What are the main ways that leukotriene contributes to inflammation?
LTB4: attracts/activates neutrophils and eosinophils
LTC4, D4, and E4: increase vascular permeability and smooth muscle contraction
IL-13 upregulates LTD4 which then upregulates IL-13 in a pro-inflammatory feedback loop
How do neutrophils affect the arachidonic acid pathway?
Neutrophils contain 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX)
This breaks down arachidonic acid => lipoxins
Lipoxins are anti-inflammatory
- inhibit neutrophil activity
- inhibit 5-lipoxygenase = less leukotrienes
How are prostaglandins formed in response to inflammation?
Inflammasome activates phospholipases (PLs) –>
PLA2 breaks down phospholipids from cell wall => arachidonic acid
cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 (COX-1/2) breaks down arachidonic acid => prostaglandins
What are the main ways that prostaglandins contribute to inflammation?
Activity of the 4 main groups caries and net effect on inflammation is complex
What are the 4 main groups of prostaglandins?
PGE2
PGF2
Thromboxans (TxA2, PGA2) - come from platelets
Prostacyclins (PGI2) - comes from vascular endothelial cells
What is platelet-activating factor (PAF)?
phospholipid produced by neutrophils, eosinophils, platelets, and mast cells
makes endothelial cells stickier
- enhances neutrophil migration
makes platelets and neutrophils release vasoactive molecules
What are the primary antimicrobial molecules involved in killing of microbial invaders?
Antimicrobial peptides
Lysozyme
Complement
What are antimicrobial peptides?
Defensins
Cathelicidins
C-type lectin
S100 family (ex. calprotectin)
Lactoferrin
Serprocidins (serine proteases found in neutrophils)
Granulysins (produced by C8+ T-cells and NK cells)
Bacterial permeability-increasing protein (in neutrophils)
What are the ways that antimicrobial peptides affect microbial invaders?
Direct killing
1) insert themselves into lipid membranes –> form pores –> death
2) cover the membrane to cause disruption –> death
*all can kill or inactivate some bacterial, fungi, and enveloped viruses
- canine cathelicidin K9CATH has broad spectrum against G+ and G-
Some can neutralize microbial toxins
- esp defensins
Some sequester important metals needed for bacterial growth
Other than killing of microbial invaders, how can antimicrobial peptides affect inflammation?
can also serve as immune-modulators and regulate cytokine production
some attract monocytes, immature dendritic cells, and T cells
What cells produce antimicrobial peptides?
Neutrophils
Macrophages
Epithelial cells (in response to IL-1, IL-17, and IL-22)
Lymph nodes
How does lactoferrin kill bacteria?
Binds iron, depriving bacteria of this essential nutrient
Increases the permeability of bacterial cell membranes
- via cation-binding region
- binding to bacterial lipopolysaccharide on G-
- but may be more effective on G+ according to some sources
prevents bacteria from adhering to and invading epithelial cells
releasing lactoferricin
What cytokines to cathelicidins stimulate the production of?
IL-6
IL-8
IL-10
How does calprotectin work against bacteria?
sequesters Zn and Mn
What is lysozyme?
An enzyme that destroys peptidoglycans in G+ cell walls
found in all body fluids except CSF and urine
found in neutrophils (except in cattle)
can opsonize bacteria
What are the functions of the complement system?
- opsonization and lysis of microbial invaders
- alerts immune system about invaders
- regulate inflammation (cytokines and chemokines)
- removes abnormal cells
- regulates adaptive immune response
- clears antibody-antigen complexes
- influences angiogenesis, stem cells, tissue regeneration, lipid metabolism
What are positive acute-phase proteins?
Made in the liver in response to IL-1, IL-6, TNF-a
Increase in inflammation
- C-reactive protein
- mannose-binding protein
- complement factors
- ferritin
- ceruloplasmin
- serum amyloid A
- haptoglobin
- coagulation factors
- serpin
What are negative acute-phase proteins?
Decrease in inflammation
- albumin
- transferrin
- transthyretin
- retinol-binding protein
- antithrombin
- transcortin
What is the complement system?
A network of 30+ proteins, proteases, receptors, and regulators
Elaborate antimicrobial defense system
Main effector pathway of the innate humoral response
Where are complement factors synthesized?
Mainly in the liver
secondary source is macrophages
small amounts made in adipose tissue, granulocytes, intestine
What are the 3 ways that complement activation can occur?
1) classical pathway (most recent, needs adaptive response)
2) alternative pathway (most ancient)
3) lectin pathway
How is the alternative complement pathway triggered?
C3 spontaneously breaks down into C3a and C3b
microbial cell wall meets then meets C3b in the blood
* 80-90% of all complement activation
Why does C3b remain bound to bacterial cells walls?
They lack sialic acid (in mammalian cells) so FH can’t bind and FB binds instead
- primarily bound to lipopolysaccharides
What type of binding occurs with the main complement factors?
covalent/irreversible
How does the product of the alternative pathway C3bBbP affect the cascade?
Creates a positive feedback loop so more C3b is produced to cover the surface of the invader
*is the alternative C3 convertase
How is the lectin complement pathway triggered?
binding of a soluble pattern recognition molecule (lectin) to microbial carbohydrates (PAMPs)
–> activates C4 by cleaving it into C4b
—> forms a protease C4b2b (classic C3 converatse)
–> increases the breakdown of C3
- includes mannose-binding lectin and ficolins
How are the lectin and classical pathways similar?
Triggered slightly differently but mannose-binding lectin is structurally similar to C1q so after that they become the same
How is the classical complement pathway triggered?
C1q meets a antibody-antigen complex (so can take 7-10 days to activate)
–> activates C4 by cleaving it into C4b
—> forms a protease C4b2b (classic C3 converatse)
–> increases the breakdown of C3
Where is C3 convertase supposed to be located?
on the surface of the microbial organism
What happens when the classical, alternative, and lectin pathways reach the common amplification pathway?
C5 binds to C3b forming C3b5b and releasing 5a
goes on to form membrane attack complexes (using C5,6, 7, 8, and 9) which insert a hole into the intruder and cause lysis
What does C5a do?
attracts and activates macrophages
anaphylotoxin (mast cell degranulation)
neutrophil chemotaxis
lysosomal enzyme secretion
increased vascular permeability
smooth muscle contraction
T-cell development
enhance production of TNF-a, IL1b, IL-6
interacts with TLR4 and 9
What anaphylotoxins are produced in the complement cascade?
C5a and C3a
How does complement contribute to the removal of apoptotic cells?
Apoptotic cells lose complement inhibitors so are affected
Which parts of the complement cascade are primarily responsible for WBC chemotaxis?
C5a and C5b67
Which parts of the complement cascade are primarily responsible for opsonization?
C3b and C4b
- many bacteria have evolved mechanisms to neutralize this
How is the complement system regulated?
Cells express receptors to C3 or its fragments
C1 inhibitor
C4-binding protein
FH and FI (binds and inactivates C3b)
What happens when there is a deficiency in complement receptor 1?
results in too many circulating immune complexes
- dogs will develop immune complex-mediated nephritis
What happens when there is a deficiency in complement receptor 3?
individuals are prone to infections
What is canine C3 deficiency?
Seen in Brittany spaniels
AR
leads to infections, amyloidosis, and immune complex-mediated nephritis
How is skin a defensive organ?
Physical barrier
- desquamation, desiccation, and low pH (bc of fatty acids in sebum)
Resident microbiota excludes pathogenic bacteria & fungi
- disruption of skin microbiota -> risk of microbial invasion
- skin infections tend to occur in areas where pH & humidity are high
(ex: axilla & inguinal)
Hair prevents desiccation, may protect against some fungal infection
Each layer of skin has its own defensive mechanisms
- Keratinocytes are active
- main source of cathelicidins & β-defensins)
- express MHC II, act as APC
- Resident sentinel cells (mast cells, macrophages)
- Resident Langerhans cells
- Resident T cells (all 3 Th subsets)
- B cells circulate the skin
What are scavenger receptors?
large family of cell-surface receptors
diverse in their structure and biological function
bind to a range of ligands
enhance the elimination of altered-self or non-self targets
What does CD14 do?
recognizes LPS on GN bacteria, peptidoglycans on S. aureus, mannuronic acid polymers on Pseudomonas, and lipoarabinomannans on mycobacteria
What are peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs)?
peptidoglycans, LPS, & lipoteichoic acids on bacteria
What are the clinical features of immune-mediated vasculitis?
Cutaneous lesions: Purpura (petechiae, ecchymoses), ulcerations, and necrosis, often affecting the extremities (e.g., ear tips, tail, footpads)
What is the most common cause of immune-mediated vasculitis in horses?
Seen frequently in purpura hemorrhagica secondary to infections like Streptococcus equi (strangles), where immune complexes deposit in vessel walls and lead to neutrophilic vasculitis and hemorrhage
What is the most common causes of immune-mediated vasculitis in dogs?
Vasculitis is commonly associated with drug reactions
infectious diseases (e.g., Ehrlichia, Rickettsia)
autoimmune diseases
What is the most common causes of immune-mediated vasculitis in cats?
vasculitis is less commonly recognized compared to dogs and horses
It may occur secondary to feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), systemic lupus, or drug hypersensitivity
What is the pathogenesis of immune-mediated vasculitis?
Immune complex-mediated vasculitis occurs when immune complexes (antigen-antibody complexes) deposit in blood vessels, activating the complement system (primarily via the classical pathway)
Results in the production of C3a, C5a, and other anaphylatoxins, which attract neutrophils and cause endothelial damage
How is SLE related to problems with complement?
autoantibodies form immune complexes activating complement
leads to type III hypersensitivity reactions
complement components (C3b, C4) for immune complex clearance but also contributing to tissue inflammation when overwhelmed
may have decreased serum C3 and C4 levels due to consumption
in humans deficient in C1q, C2, and C4 are associated with SLE
What are the two primary phagocytic cells of the innate immune system?
Neutrophils (just “professional killers”)
Macrophages (“professional killers” and antigen presenting cells)
What are the steps that a hematopoietic stem cell goes through to become a red blood cell?
hematopoietic stem cell –>
myeloid progenitor –>
megakaryocyte/erythroid progenitor –>
red blood cell
What are the steps that a hematopoietic stem cell goes through to become a platelet?
hematopoietic stem cell –>
myeloid progenitor –>
megakaryocyte/erythroid progenitor –>
megakaryocyte –>
platelet
What are the steps that a hematopoietic stem cell goes through to become an eosinophil?
hematopoietic stem cell –>
myeloid progenitor –>
eosinophil/mast cell progenitor –>
eosinophil
What are the steps that a hematopoietic stem cell goes through to become a basophil?
hematopoietic stem cell –>
myeloid progenitor –>
eosinophil/mast cell progenitor –>
basophil
What are the steps that a hematopoietic stem cell goes through to become a mast cell?
hematopoietic stem cell –>
myeloid progenitor –>
eosinophil/mast cell progenitor –>
mast cell
What are the steps that a hematopoietic stem cell goes through to become a a neutrophil?
hematopoietic stem cell –>
myeloid progenitor –>
neutrophil/macrophage progenitor –>
neutrophil
What are the steps that a hematopoietic stem cell goes through to become a a macrophage?
hematopoietic stem cell –>
myeloid progenitor –>
neutrophil/macrophage progenitor –>
monocyte (circulating) –>
macrophage (in tissue)
What is the most common immune cell in mammals?
neutrophils (~2/3 of hematopoietic activity is dedicated to making them)
60-75% of leukocytes in carnivores
50% of leukocytes in horses
20-30% of leukocytes in cattle, sheep and rodents
What is the life of a neutrophil like?
- made in the bone marrow (regulated by G-CSF)
- migrate to the blood stream
- 12 hours later migrate into tissue (1/2 hour if inflammation and chemotaxis)
- live for ~5 days
- after they die they are eaten by macrophages
What do macrophages release when they consume dead neutrophils?
IL-23
promotes IL-17 production
stimulates G-CSF = most
Where are neutrophils sequestered and what happens to this population when inflammation occurs?
capillaries of the liver, spleen, lungs, and bone marrow
is released so circulating neutrophils increase 10x
blood neutrophils only account for 1-2% of total volume
What is the structure of a neutrophil?
10-20 um in diameter (RBCs are ~5 um)
Have a sausage-like or segmented nucleus
Have 3 types of granules (do not stain on H&E)
1) primary (azurophil)
2) secondary (specific)
3) tertiary
Have a broad range of PRRs (are major mediators of innate immunity)
Why is it important that neutrophils are short-lived?
They are voracious phagocytes that create chemicals that not only damage invaders but nearby tissue as well
What do primary neutrophil granules contain?
Myeloperoxidase
lysozyme
elastase
b-glucuronidase
cathepsin
What do secondary neutrophil granules contain?
lysozyme
collagenase
lactoferrin
What do tertiary neutrophil granules contain?
gelatinase
What happens to endothelial cells in response to inflammation that allows for neutrophils to emigrate into the tissue?
- blood vessels have a large surface area so can sense invasion
- PAMPs (LPS) and DAMPs (histamine and PAF) reach endothelial cells
- in response, endothelial cells express P-selectin (a glycoprotein)
- P-selectin will bind to L-selectin on passing neutrophils
- this interaction is weak and just slows the neutrophils down (“rolling”)
- neutrophils will shed their L-selectin
- in response to IL-1 and TNF-a, endothelial cells will also express E-selectin
–> happens after several hours
–> is more adhesive
What happens to neutrophils in response to PAF, chemokines, and leukotrienes from endothelial cells that help rolling neutrophils adhere to blood vessel walls?
- Neutrophils express LFA-1 (aka CD18)
- LFA-1 can bind to ICAM-1 on endothelial cells
- this is a strong bond so now neutrophils are adhered to the cell wall
What molecules are the primary mediators for leukocyte rolling?
Selectins
- P-selectin (endothelial cells, later also E-selecin)
- L-selectin (leukocytes)
What molecules are the primary mediators for leukocyte adhesion?
Integrins
- ICAM-1 (endothelial cells, also VCAM-1 esp for lymphs and macs)
- LFA-1 (leukocytes)
What molecule is the primary mediator for leukocyte diapedesis?
PECAM-1 (on both)
- ~20% of neutrophils also release proteases to get through the basement membrane
Though neutrophil phagocytosis of bacteria is a continuous process, what 5 steps can it be divided into?
1) activation
2) chemotaxis
3) adherence and opsonization
4) ingestion or NETosis
5) destruction
What happens during neutrophil activation?
Need to be activated before they attack
Neutrophils bind to endothelial cells and are stimulated
Are stimulated by CXCL8 (IL-8), C5a, or f-met peptides (bacterial fragments)
Now neutrophil secrete:
- elastase (promotes adhesiveness)
- defensins
- oxidants (activate tissue proteases and TNF-a release from macrophages)
In addition to activating tissue proteases, what does oxidant release from neutrophils do?
Stimulate TNF-a release from macrophages
TNF-a attracts neutrophils which provides positive feedback amplification
What happens during neutrophil chemotaxis?
Chemoattractants come from sites of invasion and form a gradient which neutrophils climb up using lamellipodia on their leading edge
- formation of lamellipodia is driven by higher concentration of attractants
What are the primary chemoattractants for neutrophils?
Chemokines (ex. CXCL8 and CXCL2)
Chemotactic lipids (ex. leukotriene B4)
Complement anaphylatoxins (ex. C5a)
Bacterial formyl peptides (f-met peptides)
Cathelicidins
Fibrinopeptide B (derived from fibrinogen)
Hydrogen peroxide (tissue-damage gradient is established in 5 min)
What happens during neutrophil adherence and opsonization?
Once a neutrophil encounters bacteria it needs to “catch” it
Opsonization helps with this
- the negative electrostatic charge on bacteria repels them
- need to have bacteria coated by positive charged molecules
- opsonin = sauce, they make bacteria more attractive to neutrophils
Neutrophil PRRs can also bind to their ligands on bacteria
What are some examples of opsonins?
Mannose-binding lectin
fibronectin
complement components (ex. CD35 binding to C3b)
antibodies (most effective opsonin!)
What is type 1 phagocytosis?
Antibody receptor-mediated phagocytosis
Antibody-coated bacteria attaches to receptors on neutrophils
- ex. CD32 on the neutrophil binding to the Fc region of an antibody
- CD32 is also called FcyRII
What is NETosis?
Form of neutrophil cell death that results in release of the web-like neutrophil extracellular traps
- can trap or kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites
What causes the neutrophil extracellular trap to be released?
Not fully known, but neutrophils may sense the target is too large
CXCL8 or LPS activates them –> neutrophil oxidants release contents of azurophil granules –> chromatin condensation –> release strands of DNA (NETs)
What covers the strands of neutrophil DNA in NETosis?
Antimicrobial proteins
- histones
- granule components (elastase, myeloperoxidase, lactoferrin, etc)
What is a problem that can occur due to NETosis?
Unwanted tissue damage
What does the cytoplasm of lamellipods of neutrophils contain?
actin and myosin
What is type 1 neutrophil phagocytosis?
Antibody mediated phagocytosis
Antibody-coated microbes are bound by neutrophil CD32 –>
trigger polymerization of actin –>
lamellipods extend from the neutrophil and engulf the particle
What is type 2 neutrophil phagocytosis?
Complement-mediated phagocytosis
Particles sink into the neutrophil without lamellipod formation
Once engulfed, the bacteria is drawn into the cell
Then the bacteria is enclosed in a vacuole called a phagosome
- work better on bacteria with lipid/hydrophobic capsules (Mycobacterium)
What is type 3 neutrophil phagocytosis?
Coiling phagocytosis
A single lamellipod wraps itself around the organism several times
What is autophagy?
Cells will destroy particles within their cytoplasm
- form of cellular waste disposal
Microbe or damaged organelle is closed off into an autophagosome
Fuses with lysosome so the contents are digested
- TLR7 or FCyR can initiate targeting
Contents are released back into cytosol for recycling
Disorders are associated with cancer, neurodegeneration, infection, and aging
How do neutrophils kill ingested bacteria?
Respiratory burst or release of intracellular granules
What is a respiratory burst?
A way phagocytes kill ingested organisms
Happens within seconds
makes radical oxygen species which kill bacteria
How does neutrophil hypochlorous acid (HOCl) kill bacteria?
Created by the respiratory burst
unfolding and aggregating proteins
oxidizing lipids
enhance activities of lysosomal enzymes
What are radical oxygen species?
Superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, singlet oxygen, hypohalides, organic peroxides
How do radical oxygen species contribute to inflammation?
act on an atomic level to bind to sulfur atoms (cysteine and methionine)
inhibit many parts of cell function
oxidize bases in DNA (influence transcription)
activate inflammasomes
promote B and T cell activation
How does a neutrophil use lytic enzymes to kill bacteria?
Once a bacteria is ingested, the cell’s granules (lysosomes) migrate through the cytoplasm –> fuse with the maturing phagosome = phagolysosome –> enzymes are released and digest bacteria
- some bacteria like E. coli are resistant to this
When neutophil enzymes are released, they cleave TNF-a from macrophages
What cytokines do neutrophils produce?
Many but most important are
- IL-1
- TNF-a
- IL-6
- CXCL8
- IL-10
- TGF-b
Each neutrophil only makes a small amount, but together can be powerful)
What type of bacteria does lysozyme work best against?
G+
How does the respiratory burst happen in neutrophils?
NADPH oxidase (NOX) assembles on the cell surface due to stimuli like TNF-a
NADPH + O2 is broken down by NOX to NADP + H + 2*02
superoxide dismutase then creates hydrogen peroxide
myeloperoxidase takes hydrogen peroxide and chloride to make hypochlorite and hypochlorous acid (bleach)
How does the respiratory burst happen in macrophages?
nitric oxide synthase catalyzes production of nitric oxide which combines with superoxide or H2O2 to produce peroxynitrite radical
RNS inactivate iron and sulfur containing enzymes, oxidize lipids, and damage DNA
What cell surface receptors do neutrophils have?
Antibody receptors (CD32/FCyRII)
Cell adhesion molecules (LFA-1, CD11c/CD18)
Complement receptors (CD35, CD11b/CD18)
What is the fate of neutrophils?
short-lived cells with limited energy
die as a result of apoptosis
express an “eat me” signal to monocytes
if dendritic cells eat them, they do 1 of 2 things
- if neutrophil contains bacteria: secrete TGF-b, IL-6, IL-1, IL-23
–> IL-23 stimulates Th17 cells which call in more neutrophils
- if neutrophil is unaffected: secrete IL-10 and TGF-b to promote Tregs
What is the primary first-line phagocyte?
Neutrophils
Which phagocyte tends to be of greater importance for fighting extracellular pathogens?
Neutrophils
How does the function of macrophages compare to that of neutrophils?
Both are phagocytic cells and while macrophages have a slower response, they do more:
- greater antimicrobial properties (esp against intracellular pathogens)
- help initiate tissue repair/control inflammation and clean up debris
- process antigens and initiate adaptive immunity
Monocytes are found circulating in the blood, what are they called when they move to connective tissue?
Histiocytes
Monocytes are found circulating in the blood, what are they called when they move to bone?
Osteoclasts
Monocytes are found circulating in the blood, what are they called when they move to skin?
Macrophage
subset develop into dendritic cells (aka Langerhans cells in epidermis)
*some dendritic cells may come from the fetal yolk sac
Monocytes are found circulating in the blood, what are they called when they move to the sinusoids of the liver?
Kupffer cells
*may originate from the fetal yolk sac
Monocytes are found circulating in the blood, what are they called when they move to the brain?
Microglia
*may originate from the fetal yolk sac
What is the structure of a macrophage?
Round and ~15-20 um in diameter (a RBC is ~5 um)
Central nucleus (potato nucleus on histopathology)
Abundant cytoplasm with lysosomes
- may be foamy if activated
What is the life history of a macrophage?
Present in most tissues before birth (bone marrow or yolk sac)
Usually long-lived unless there is inflammation or tissue damage
- usually replace themselves at a rate of 1% per day
Reinforced by monocytes from the blood
- circulate for 3 days before entering tissue
Can form multinucleated giant cells if their DNA is damaged
What are the 3 stages of macrophage readiness?
1) resting
- go around cleaning up dead cells as a garbage collector
- very few MCH II receptors
2) activated/primed by cytokines (ex. IFN-y)
- can take larger bites
- increases number of MHC II receptors for antigen presentation
3) hyperactivated by PAMPs (ex. LPS)
- stops proliferating and grows larger
- can ingest things as large as unicellular parasites
- produce TNF-a
- increases lysozymes and respiratory burst
How do macrophages function as sentinel cells?
They are widely distributed in the body and have many PRRs
Produce many cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-a, IL-12, IL-18, and HMGB1)
Produce chemokines (ex CXCL8)
How to macrophages contribute to inflammation?
Recognize tissue damage
HMGB1 and DAMPs make macs release TNF-a, IL-6, CXCL8, and ROS
- bring more neutrophils in
Release exosomes (also done by dendritic cells and B cells)
- have immunostimulatory and proinflammatory molecules
- have bacterial particles
- spread through extracellular fluid
- bind to neutrophils and macrophages => release TNF-a and iNOS
Act as antigen presenting cells
What does myeloperoxidase do?
contribute to the respiratory burst
What do elastin, cathespin, and b-glucuronidase do?
Activate TFN-a
Degrade connective tissue
kill bacteria
What does gelatinase do?
Degrade bacteria and tissue
What attracts macrophages?
bacterial products (PAMPs)
complement
DAMPs
neutrophils (make CCL2 aka MCP-1 under the influence of IL-6)
How do macrophages phagocytize organisms?
Rely more on their respirator burst (produces NO2) and protein synthesis
Can have sustained phagocytic activity (unlike neutrophils)
Can have endosomes with ingested neutrophil granules
Can also make METs
When to macrophages arrive to the site of infection?
Several hours after neutrophils (~12 hr vs 3-4 hr)
How do macrophages “soften” connective tissue?
Produce proteases like collagenase, elastase, and a plasminogen activator that generates plasmin
What is macrophage polarization?
Divided into two subsets based on activation state and functions
- M1: promote host defense
- M2: suppress inflammation and promote tissue repair
Is not permanent and can change phenotype based on outside influence
Some consider a 3rd subset
- Mreg: have anti-inflammatory activity and due to IL-10
What makes M1 macrophages and what do they do?
Influenced primarily by presence of IFN-y, PAMPs, and DAMPs
Appear early in the inflammatory process
Generate large amounts of RNS
Are larger and more active with more bactericidal powers
Have increased MHC II expression
Produce TNF-a and IL-12 which activate NK cells which make more IFN-y
What makes M2 macrophages and what do they do?
Influenced primarily by IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13
Make ornithine from arginine instead of NO
Promote tissue repair/remodeling
Have reduced killing activity
Secrete SLP1 to calm down neutrophils and protect TGF-b
Macrophages produce IL-23. What is the primary function of this?
Stabilize Th17 cells
Macrophages produce IL-1. What is the primary function of this?
Very important for inflammation!
Co-stimulate Th2 cells and stimulates acute-phase response
Macrophages produce IL-6. What is the primary function of this?
Very important for inflammation!
Promotes B-cell differentiation and stimulates acute-phase response
Macrophages produce IL-12. What is the primary function of this?
Co-stimulator of Th1 cells
Macrophages produce IL-18. What is the primary function of this?
Promotes IFN-y production by Th1 cells
Macrophages produce TNF-a. What is the primary function of this?
Very important for inflammation!
Cytotoxic
Stimulate T cell growth
Stimulates acute-phase response
triggers inflammation
What are the primary cytokines and chemokines produced by macrophages?
IL-1
IL-6
IL-8 aka CXCL8
IL-12
IL-18
IL-23
TNF-a
What cell receptors do macrophages have?
TLRs and mannose-binding receptor (CD206)
CD64 (bins to FC region of antibodies)
CD35, CD11b/CD18 (for complement)
CD40 (to communicate with lymphocytes)
How is inflammation resolved?
An active process, M2 and Mreg macrophages play a major role
Coordinated process with lipids related to leukotrienes (resolvins, protectins, maresins, lipoxins)
What drugs suppress macrophage activity?
Corticosteroids (and others)