Intro to the Immune System Flashcards
What are the characteristics of innate immunity?
Rapid, no memory, recognises molecular patterns associated with danger
What are the components of innate immunity?
physical barriers, antimicrobial chemicals, complement, epithelial cells, phagocytes, natural killer cells, cytokines
What are the characteristics of acquired immunity?
recognises antigens, slower response, memory
What are the components of acquired immunity?
lymphocytes (T cells and B cells), antibodies, cytokines
What are PAMPs?
PAMPs are pathogen associated molecular patterns - that is conserved molecular patterns found on microorganisms such as unmethylated DNA or polysaccharides
What are PRRs?
PRRs are pattern recognition receptors - these are the receptors present on immune cells to detect PAMPs. Some examples are toll like receptors (TLRs), NOD like receptors (NLRs), RIG like helicases, collections, scavenger receptors
What are DAMPs
DAMPs are danger associated molecular patterns - these are molecular patterns produced in the body during disease or trauma that are recognised by PRRs
What are antigens?
Antigens are unique molecules that can be recognised by the immune system - cells of the adaptive immune system have receptors for antigens
What are some extracellular PRRs?
TLR1,2,4,5,6, Dectin-1, MR
What are some cytoplasmic PRRs?
TLR 3,7,9, RLH, NLRs
What is the structure of antigen receptors?
In both BCR and TCR, there are 2 regions. A constant region and a variable region. The variable region is where the antigen binds.
Where do T cells develop?
The thymus
Where do B cells develop?
The bone marrow
What is a cytokine?
A cytokine is a protein secreted by cells which interacts with nearby cells with the appropriate receptor
What is a chemokine?
A chemokine is a protein which attracts cells with appropriate receptors to a certain area
