Innate immunity basics

Question 1

Define innate immunity

Answer 1

Non-adaptive, non-specific, 1st line of defence, Ancient, primes and instructs adaptive. tons of possible targets but no host molecules.

Question 2

What maximises the number of recognised pathogens?

Answer 2

Target structure has to be smallest possible denominator, eg C-type lectins or CRP.

Question 3

What is phosphotidylcholine?

Answer 3

a human cell membrane phospholipid. surface polysachharides of S.pneumoniae have same PC head group.

Question 4

Name the components of innate immunity

Answer 4

Complement, C-reactive protein and C-type lectins

Question 5

Briefly describe complement

Answer 5

A protein cascade of sequentially activated, distinct plasma proteins (C1-C9)

Question 6

Briefly describe C-type lectins

Answer 6

MBL (mannose binding lectin) and lung surfactant proteins A and D which recognise carbs on the surface of invading pathogens

Question 7

Briefly descripe C-reactive proteins

Answer 7

huge serum conc increases in crp reactant acute phase following infection or injury, recognition includes phospholipids and damaged cells