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Introduction to Immunology Flashcards

1
Q

What are the basic components of the immune system?

A

Structure, functions, components, connection to other body parts.

The immune system is complex and includes primary and secondary lymphoid organs, lymphocytes, and other immune cells.

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2
Q

What are the primary immune system organs?

A

Thymus and bone marrow.

These organs are crucial for the development of immune cells.

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3
Q

What are secondary lymphoid organs?

A

Spleen, lymph nodes, lymphoid tissues.

These organs are involved in the activation and proliferation of lymphocytes.

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4
Q

Define active immunity.

A

Formed by the body through contact with antigens, characterized by specificity and memory.

Active immunity develops over time and provides long-term protection.

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5
Q

What is passive immunity?

A

Involves external introduction of immune components, lacks memory.

This type of immunity is temporary and does not involve the immune system’s direct response.

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6
Q

What distinguishes innate immunity from adaptive immunity?

A

Innate immunity is nonspecific and quick; adaptive immunity is specific and takes longer to develop.

Innate immunity includes immediate defense mechanisms, while adaptive immunity involves a tailored response.

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7
Q

What are PAMPs?

A

Pathogen-associated molecular patterns recognized by immune cells.

These patterns help the immune system identify pathogens.

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8
Q

What are DAMPs?

A

Damage-associated molecular patterns recognized by immune cells.

DAMPs signal tissue damage and help initiate an immune response.

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9
Q

What is the complement system?

A

Consists of plasma proteins that activate in a cascade to destroy antigens.

It includes pathways like classical, lectin, and alternative, which help in immune defense.

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10
Q

What are the two types of adaptive immunity?

A

Humoral and cell-mediated immunity.

Humoral immunity involves B lymphocytes producing antibodies, while cell-mediated immunity involves T lymphocytes.

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11
Q

What is the function of T cells?

A

Regulate immune response.

They are essential for cell-mediated immunity.

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12
Q

What are haptens?

A

Incomplete antigens that require conjugation with a protein carrier.

Haptens have low molecular weight and cannot provoke an immune response alone.

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13
Q

What is the significance of immunoglobulins?

A

They are antibodies with specific roles in the immune response.

There are five major classes: IgA, IgM, IgG, IgE, and IgD, each with unique functions.

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14
Q

What does ELISA stand for?

A

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay.

It is a diagnostic test that detects antigen-antibody binding through color change.

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15
Q

Define monoclonal antibodies.

A

Identical antibodies produced from a single clone of B-cells.

They are highly specific to a particular epitope and used in diagnostics and therapies.

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16
Q

What are antigen-presenting cells (APCs)?

A

Cells that assimilate antigens and present them on their surface for T cell recognition.

APCs play a crucial role in initiating the adaptive immune response.

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17
Q

What is the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)?

A

Proteins on cell surfaces that present antigens to T cells.

MHC molecules are essential for immune recognition and are involved in graft rejection.

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18
Q

What is MHC Class I pathway?

A

Involves presentation of self or viral antigens to CD8+ T cells.

This pathway is crucial for cytotoxic T cell activation.

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19
Q

What is MHC Class II pathway?

A

Involves presentation of foreign antigens to CD4+ T cells.

This pathway is important for helper T cell activation.

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20
Q

What is graft rejection?

A

Occurs when cytotoxic T-lymphocytes recognize and attack transplanted tissue due to MHC differences.

This is a significant challenge in organ transplantation.

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21
Q

Fill in the blank: T-cell antigen recognition is restricted by the _______.

A

MHC molecule structure.

Compatibility between T cells and MHC is necessary for an effective immune response.

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22
Q

What are cytokines?

A

Regulatory proteins involved in immune response.

They mediate communication between immune cells and help regulate the immune response.

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23
Q

What are Antigen-Presenting Cells (APCs)?

A

APCs are crucial for the immune system as they present antigens to T lymphocytes. Types of APCs include dendritic cells, monocytes, macrophages, and B lymphocytes.

Some non-immune cells like endothelial and epithelial cells can also act as APCs.

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24
Q

What is MHC Restriction?

A

T-cell antigen recognition is restricted by the MHC molecule structure, requiring compatibility for proper immune response.

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25
Define Polygeny and Polymorphism of MHC.
MHC molecules are determined by multiple genes (polygeny) and have many alleles (polymorphism), resulting in individual variability.
26
What are B-cell receptors (BCR) and T-cell receptors (TCR)?
BCR and TCR are essential for antigen recognition and immune response activation.
27
What are cytokines?
Cytokines are regulatory proteins involved in immune response, inflammation, and wound healing, acting through autocrine, paracrine, or endocrine mechanisms.
28
What is the role of MHC Class I molecules?
MHC Class I molecules are present on all nucleated cells and present self-antigens to CD8+ T cells for immune surveillance.
29
How do MHC Class II molecules function?
MHC Class II molecules are expressed on immune cells and present foreign antigens to CD4+ T cells, initiating an immune response.
30
What leads to graft rejection?
MHC molecules present antigens that can be recognized as foreign by the host immune system, leading to graft rejection if the donor and recipient MHC molecules are not compatible.
31
How does the MHC Class I pathway work?
Cytosolic proteins are transported to the endoplasmic reticulum, bind to MHC Class I molecules, and are presented on the cell surface for CD8+ T cell recognition.
32
What happens during viral infection with respect to MHC Class I?
Infected cells present viral antigens via MHC Class I molecules, leading to recognition and destruction by CD8+ T cells.
33
What is the process of foreign antigen processing and presentation?
Foreign antigens are phagocytosed or endocytosed, interact with MHC class II in the endoplasmic reticulum, and are presented on the surface of antigen-presenting cells.
34
True or False: T-cell receptors must be compatible with MHC molecules for proper antigen recognition.
True
35
What is the significance of multiple genes in MHC structure?
Multiple genes determine MHC structure, leading to a wide range of peptide binding specificity and individual variability.
36
What are the components of B-cell and T-cell receptors?
BCR consists of membrane forms of immunoglobulins M and D; TCR consists of alpha-beta or gamma-beta chains. CD3 is needed for signal transduction.
37
What are the key features of cytokines?
Cytokines are secreted by immunocompetent and other cells, have pleiotrophic effects, and can act as synergists or antagonists.
38
What occurs during T and B lymphocyte development?
T and B lymphocytes arise from a common precursor in the bone marrow and undergo selection processes to ensure functionality and prevent autoimmunity.
39
Fill in the blank: Naive T and B lymphocytes become activated upon encountering _______.
[antigens]
40
What defines Type 1 hypersensitivity?
Type 1 hypersensitivity is mediated by IgE antibodies and mast cells, leading to rapid vascular leakage, mucosal secretions, and smooth muscle contraction.
41
What is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction characterized by a dramatic fall in blood pressure and airway obstruction.
42
Describe Type 2 hypersensitivity.
Type 2 hypersensitivity is antibody-mediated, involving IgG and IgM antibodies directed against cell surface or extracellular matrix antigens.
43
What is the mechanism of Type 3 hypersensitivity?
Type 3 hypersensitivity involves immune complex-mediated reactions, where antigen-antibody complexes form in circulation and deposit in tissues.
44
What characterizes Type 4 hypersensitivity?
Type 4 hypersensitivity is mediated by T cells and involves tissue damage due to prolonged immune responses.
45
What are immune complexes and their effect on tissues?
Immune complexes form in the bloodstream and deposit in tissues, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. ## Footnote Mediated by complement activation and recruitment of inflammatory cells like neutrophils.
46
What is serum sickness?
An immune complex disease that occurs after exposure to foreign proteins, leading to systemic inflammation. ## Footnote Symptoms include fever, rash, and arthritis.
47
What are the key points of Type 4 hypersensitivity?
* Involves CD4+ T helper cells and CD8+ cytotoxic T cells * Reactions are delayed, occurring hours to days after antigen exposure * Commonly associated with chronic infections and autoimmune diseases
48
What characterizes rheumatoid arthritis?
An autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints due to T cell-mediated immune responses. ## Footnote CD4+ T cells release cytokines, activating macrophages and other immune cells.
49
What triggers autoimmune reactions?
Autoimmune reactions occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells, recognizing self-antigens as non-self due to alterations by infections or chemicals.
50
Define immunologic tolerance.
Immunologic tolerance is the unresponsiveness to an antigen induced by exposure to that antigen, crucial for preventing autoimmune reactions.
51
What factors contribute to autoimmunity?
* Genetic susceptibility * Environmental factors such as infections, hormones, and drugs
52
What mechanisms lead to tissue damage in autoimmune reactions?
Activation of T and B cells and production of autoantibodies, leading to hypersensitivity reactions.
53
What is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)?
An autoimmune disease characterized by impaired clearance of DNA and immune complex formation, leading to various clinical symptoms.
54
What causes Type 1 diabetes?
Destruction of beta cells in the pancreas, leading to insulin deficiency.
55
What characterizes Graves' disease?
An organ-specific autoimmune disease where autoantibodies stimulate the thyroid gland, causing hyperthyroidism.
56
What is pernicious anaemia?
An autoimmune disease where autoantibodies target gastric intrinsic factor, impairing vitamin B12 absorption.
57
What is celiac disease?
An autoimmune disease triggered by gluten ingestion, causing inflammation and damage to the small bowel mucosa.
58
What is myasthenia gravis?
An autoimmune disease where autoantibodies block acetylcholine receptors, impairing neuromuscular transmission.
59
What is autoimmune haemolytic anaemia?
Involves the destruction of red blood cells by autoantibodies, leading to haemolysis.
60
What are primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs)?
Inherited genetic disorders that cause chronic susceptibility to infections.
61
What defines secondary immunodeficiencies?
Acquired conditions characterized by decreased immune activity due to various factors such as HIV, age, drugs, and nutritional deficiencies.
62
What are common therapeutic approaches for immunodeficiencies?
* Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation * Immunoglobulin replacement * Gene therapy
63
What is HIV and how does it affect the immune system?
HIV is a retrovirus that infects CD4 T cells, leading to AIDS, characterized by severe immunodeficiency.
64
What evidence supports the existence of tumour immunity?
* Tumours with severe mononuclear cell infiltration have better prognosis * Certain tumours like melanomas and neuroblastomas regress spontaneously * Tumour metastases may regress after removal of the primary tumour
65
How are tumours classified?
* Benign tumours: not harmful, do not grow expansively * Malignant tumours: grow, invade tissues, can be fatal
66
What are the characteristics of cancer cells?
* Escape normal intracellular communication * Exhibit rapid growth and mobility * Invade tissues and suppress the immune system
67
What are tumour-specific antigens (TSA)?
Unique to tumour cells and induce immune response.
68
What is the role of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes in tumour immunity?
They recognize and kill tumour cells presenting MHC class I molecules.
69
What are the mechanisms by which tumours evade immune responses?
* Loss of antigens via immune editing * Downregulation of MHC class I expression * Active inhibition of immune responses via immune checkpoints
70
What types of immunotherapy are used against tumours?
* Passive immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies * Adoptive cellular therapy * Vaccination with tumour antigens * Cytokine therapy
71
What are the types of grafts used in transplantation?
* Autograft: transplantation within the same body * Syngeneic graft: between genetically identical individuals * Allograft: between genetically different individuals of the same species * Xenograft: between different species
72
What is an autograft?
Transplantation within the same body, no immune reaction
73
Define syngeneic graft.
Between genetically identical individuals, such as identical twins, no immune reaction
74
What characterizes an allograft?
Between genetically different individuals of the same species, potential for immune reaction
75
What is a xenograft?
Between different species, often from animals to humans, high potential for immune reaction
76
What is the MHC Class I pathway?
Presents endogenous antigens to cytotoxic T cells
77
What does double recognition involve?
CD8 and TCR interactions with MHC and antigen
78
How do viral infections relate to MHC?
MHC presents viral proteins, activating cytotoxic T cells
79
What role do tumour cells play in antigen presentation?
Abnormal proteins presented, leading to immune response
80
What are major histocompatibility antigens?
Main cause of fast and strong rejection
81
What are minor histocompatibility antigens?
Cause slower and weaker rejection
82
What are the stages of the immune response in graft rejection?
* Recognition * Activation * Destruction * Memory formation
83
List the types of graft rejection.
* Hyperacute * Acute * Chronic
84
What happens in a host vs graft reaction?
Host immune system attacks the graft
85
What is a graft vs host reaction?
Donor immune cells attack the host
86
What characterizes hyperacute rejection?
Occurs within minutes to hours, involves preformed antibodies
87
What is acute rejection?
Occurs within days to weeks, involves humoral and cellular mechanisms
88
What is tissue typing?
Matching donor and recipient HLA alleles
89
What is the purpose of immunosuppression?
Using drugs like calcineurin inhibitors to reduce immune activity
90
What is the long-term goal of preventing graft rejection?
Inducing immunologic tolerance to graft antigens
91
When did the history of vaccination begin?
Dates back centuries with early attempts to prevent severe cases of smallpox
92
Who first used the term 'vaccination'?
Edward Jenner in 1796
93
What does vaccination involve?
Stimulating protective immune responses against microbes by exposure to non-pathogenic forms or components
94
Differentiate between vaccination and immunization.
Vaccination specifically refers to the injection of a vaccine, while immunization is a broader term that includes vaccination
95
What are live attenuated vaccines?
Use weakened organisms
96
What are inactivated vaccines?
Use killed pathogens
97
What are DNA/RNA vaccines?
Provide genetic instructions for antigen production
98
What are synthetic peptide vaccines?
Under development to synthesize non-aggressive antigens
99
What are conjugated subunit vaccines?
Use pathogen particles
100
What are viral-like particles?
Resemble viruses but are non-infectious
101
What are recombinant viral vector vaccines?
Use viruses as vectors
102
What is the role of preservatives in vaccines?
Prevent contamination
103
What do stabilizers do in vaccines?
Prevent chemical reactions
104
What is the function of surfactants in vaccines?
Keep ingredients blended
105
What are adjuvants?
Enhance immune response
106
What is passive immunization?
Involves transferring specific antibodies from outside, providing short-lived protection
107
What are the benefits of passive immunization?
Used for rapid treatment of dangerous diseases
108
What is a key characteristic of passive immunization?
Does not induce long-term immune memory
109
How do vaccine schedules vary?
By region and infection risk
110
What are the common administration methods for vaccines?
* Intramuscularly * Subcutaneously * Orally
111
What is crucial for vaccine storage and handling?
Maintaining effectiveness through a temperature-controlled supply chain
112
What is the cold chain in vaccine storage?
Ensures vaccines remain effective from manufacturing to administration

General Principles (7 decks)

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