Immunology - General

Question 1

Anatomical differences between MHC class 1 and 2

Answer 1

MHC class 1 is made up of one long heavy chain and one short b2 microglobulin chain.

MHC class 2 is made up of two long heavy chains (alpha and beta).

Question 2

Functional differences of MHC class 1 and 2

Answer 2

MHC class 1 molecule found on most cells in the body. Presents fragments/viral peptides to killer t cells.

MHC class 2 molecule only found on antigen presenting cells such as macrophrages and dentritic cells. These molecule with B7 then interact with T helper cell alongside with CD28

Question 3

What makes up the membrane attack complex?

Answer 3

Complement c5b, c6, c7, c8, c9

Question 4

Describe CVID and diagnostic criteria and associations

Answer 4

Most frequent clinically symptomatic primary immunodeficiency. B cells fail to differentiate leading to low levels of IgG, IgA and/or IgM.
Diagnostic criteria:
1. Consistent clinical features - Recurrent infections/autoimmunity/granulomatous, lymphadenopathy.
2. Marked decrease of IgG, IgA and/or IgM.
3. Poor response to vaccines
4. Secondary causes of hypogammaglobulinaemia have been excluded.
Associated with gastric cancer and lymphoma and autoimmune diseases. Treatment consist of IVIg, prophylaxis, treatment of infections, surveillance for autoimmune diseases and malignancy

Question 5

Give examples of live attenuated weakened vaccine?

Answer 5

Measles, mumps, chicken pox, yellow fever, rabies and bcg

Question 6

Most abundant immunoglobulin in
1. Serum
2. Secretions

Answer 6

1. Igg - mainly igg1
2. IgA