Immunology: cells of innate response & the complement system Flashcards
what is macrophages function and describe shape of its nucleus
function = phagocytic killing, clear away debris/dead cells, TNFalpha production have kidney-bean shaped nucleus
what are the different names given to macrophages in the liver, kidney and nervous system
liver = kupffer cells
kidney = mesangial cells
nervous system = microglial cells
what type of cell are Natural Killer(NK) cells and what is there function
granular cells function = kill abnormal/infected cells
how do NK cells kill abnormal cells
kill by degranulation, by releasing perforin
what are some properties of neutrophils, and what does raised neutrophils suggest
short-lived, multi-lobed
raised neutrophils suggests acute inflammation
how do neutrophils reach site of infection and how do they kill cells
circulate in bloodstream and migrate to area via transendothelial migration
kill by phagocytosis, NETs and degranulation
state some features of basophils
bilobed, granulated(granules contain histamine, heparin etc.)
what are basophils function and what colour do they stain
they stain blue (‘baso’ = blue)
act as effector cells in allergic reactions
when are eosinophils relevant, what colour do they stain and how is there nucleus described
relevant in allergy, stain red(‘eosin’ = red), the nucleus is bilobed
what is another name for dendritic cells
antigen presenting cells(APC)
briefly describe the function of dendritic cells
help bridge gap between innate and adaptive immune systems by phagocytosing pathogens and presenting their antigens to T cells via MHC II molecules
when are mast cells relevant
in allergy
important for large antibody-coated pathogens that cant be phagocytosed
what do mast cells release and how do they kill cells
release histamine, heparin etc.
kill by degranulation
what is opsonisation
opsonisation = coating of pathogens by soluble factors(opsonins) to enhance phagocytosis
what is the end aim of the complement system
to promote opsonisation, chemotaxis and produce MAC(membrane attack complex)
