Introduction to immunology Flashcards
Describe the features of innate immunity
Non specific
No memory
Fast an immediate
What type of cells are involved in innate immunity
Phagocytes
Mast cells
Describe the features of adaptive immunity
slower
has immunological memory
Specific
What type of cells are involved in adaptive immunity?
Mainly antibodies produced by effector T cells which are differentiated T cells
Describe active immunity
Protective immunity against pathogen induced through host’s own response to pathogen
Describe passive immunity
Transfer of antibodies or lymphocytes specific for a pathogen giving immunity
What are the types of WBC’s?
Basophils Eosinophil Monocytes Neutrophils Mast cells
Describe neutrophils
Most common WBC
They track down, engulf and destroy pathogens
Contain granules that are filled with destructive enzyme
Describe monocytes
Larger than neutrophils
Breakdown pathogens
Process antigen of pathogen and present to ab and Nk cells to produce specific immune response
Describe eosinophil
Help combat parasitic infections
granules contain toxic enzymes
Involved in allergy + asthma
Describe basophils
Found in parasitic infection
No proven function
Least common WBC
Describe mast cells
Specific receptors for IgE antibodies
Contain granules that are toxic to host + parasite(histamine)
Describe Cytokines
They bind to receptors producing cell signalling molecules
They are small proteins
Secreted by both immune + non immune cells in response to stimuli
What are the key functions of of cytokins?
Differentiation
Activation
Chemotaxis
Enhancing cytotoxicity
What are primary lymphoid organs?
Where lymphocytes are produced and mature