Immunology - Dermatology Flashcards
name three important structural proteins found in the keratin layer and epidermis of the skin
filaggrin
involucrin
keratin
what is the alternative name for the keratin layer of the skin?
stratum corneum
true or false: keratinocytes produce antimicrobial peptides that can directly kill pathogens
true
act like antibiotics
can keratinocytes produce cytokines and chemokines?
yes
where are langerhans cells located in the epidermis?
prickle cell layer
true or false: langerhans cells are the main skin immune cell
true
how do langerhans cells aid the immune response?
produce liquid antigens and present them to T cells
what characterises langerhans cells?
birbeck granules
true or false: healthy skin contains a large number of T cells, with the epidermis mainly containing CD4-T cells
false
the epidermis mainly contains CD8 cells
what lymphocyte is associated with psoriasis/
CD4 Th1 cells
what lymphocyte is associated with atopic dermatitis?
CD4 Th2 cells
what is the function of Th 1 cells?
activate macrophages to destroy microorganisms
what is the function of Th2 cells?
help B cells make antibodies
what is the function of dermal dendritic cells?
antigen presentation
cytokine and chemokine secretion
what is the function of plasmacytoid dendritic cells?
produce IFN-alpha
true or false: psoriasis is triggered by environmental factors in genetically susceptible individuals
true
true or false: psoriatic lesions can be restored to normal following effective therapy, even though there is chronic inflammation
true
true or false: it is common for psoriatic plaques to become squamous cell carcinoma
false
true or false: people with atopic eczema always have dry skin
true
gene mutations for which protein are associated with severe atopic eczema?
filaggrin
how does a broken down skin barrier cause eczema?
exposed skin is sensitised to allergen
promotes colonisation by microorganisms
what are the principle skin reactions that occur in type 1 hypersensitivity?
urticaria
angioedema
list the step up therapy for allergic reactions
antihistamine
prednisolone
adrenaline
allergic contact dermatitis is an example of which hypersensitivity reaction?
type IV
what is the time period for type four hypersensitivity reactions?
24-48 hours
