Intro to Immunology Flashcards
What are antigens?
Both surface and intracellular, are molecules capable of stimulating an immune response.
Usually proteins, polysaccharides, lipids and/or nucleic acids
What is an epitope and paratope?
Epitope - protion of the antigen which binds to the paratope on the antibody, BCR or TCR
What is immunogenicity?
Capacity to stimulate the development of an immune response.
What is antigenicity?
The ability to bind to immune effector molecules.
What is innate immunity?
Nonspecific or nonadaptive immunity
Rapid response
Limited specificity
Constant recognition during response
What is acquired immunity?
Specific or adaptive immunity
Slow response
Numerous, highly selective specificities
Recognition improves during response
What is neutralization?
Bind antigens with B cell secreted antibodies, prevents antigens from binding target cell
What is complement activation?
Complement cascade of enzymes that facilitates inflammation and can cause direct lysis of a pathogen
What is phagocytosis?
Cells eating cells
What is the cytotoxic reaction?
Death signal is delivered to a cell harboring foreign antigens which initiates apoptosis
What are the two phases of the immune response?
Recognition phase
Effector phase
