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Microbiology and immunology > Introduction to Immunology > Flashcards

Introduction to Immunology Flashcards

1
Q

What would happen if we didn’t have an immune system?

A

We would be overcolonised by many different organisms

Resulting in the failure and loss of the integrity of our organ system

Death

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2
Q

Why do we need an immune system?

A

We are essentially a warm bag of food

Our blood & extracellular fluid is full of proteins and sugars

Our constant internal temperature encourages growth

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3
Q

Define Immunology

A

Is the study of the immune system

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4
Q

Define Immunity (Resistance)

A

Is the ability of the body to prevent disease, damage or infection using our defence mechanisms

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5
Q

Define Vulnerability

A

Is termed susceptibility

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6
Q

What are the two types of immunity?

A

Innate immunity and .Adaptive immunity

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7
Q

Define Non Specific immunity

A

Refers to the defences present at birth

It does not involve specific recognition of a microbe

It acts against all microbes in the same way

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8
Q

What makes up the first line of Physical and chemical barriers?

A

Skin

Mucus membranes

Secretions

Cilia

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9
Q

What is the role of the intact Skin epidermis?

A

Forms mechanical barrier that prevents entry of pathogens and other harmful substances

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10
Q

What is the role of the intact Acid Mantle?

A

Skin secretions (perspiration and sebum) make epidermal surface acidic, which inhibits bacterial growth, sebum also contains bactericidal chemicals

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11
Q

What is the role of the intact Keratin?

A

Provides resistance against acids, Alkalis and Bacterial enzymes

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12
Q

What is the role of the intact Intact mucous membranes?

A

Form mechanical barrier that prevents entry of pathogens

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13
Q

What is the role of the Mucus?

A

Traps microorganisms in respiratory and digestive tracts

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14
Q

What is the role of the Nasal Hairs?

A

Filters and trap microorganisms in passages

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15
Q

What is the role of the Cilia?

A

Propel debris-laden mucus away from lower respiratory passages

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16
Q

What is the role of the Gastric Juice?

A

Contains concentrated hydrochloric acid and protein-digesting enzymes that destroy pathogens in the stomach

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17
Q

What is the role of the Acid Mantle of vagina

A

Inhibits growth of most bacteria and fungi in female reproduction tract

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18
Q

What is the role of the Lacrimal secretion (tears), saliva?

A

Continuously lubricate and cleanse eyes (tears) and oral cavity (saliva), contains lyzozyme, an enzyme that destroys microorganisms

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19
Q

What is the role of Urine?

A

Normal acid pH inhibits bacterial growth, cleanses the lower urinary tract as it flushes from the body.

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20
Q

What is in the second line of defense?

A

Antimicrobial substances / processes / cells

Natural killer cells

Basophils / Eosinophils

Neutophils

Macrophages

Inflammation / Fever

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21
Q

What are the two roles of the Dendritic cells?

A

Have a phagocytic role in the innate immune system

Activate the adaptive immune system

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22
Q

Define Specific immunity

A

Refers to the defences that involve specific recognition of a microbe

Once it has breached the innate immunity defences

It is based on a specific response to a specific microbe

It is able to adapt/adjust to handle specific microbes

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23
Q

What are the main components of adaptive immunity?

A

Lymphocytes (Type of white blood cells)

T Lymphocytes (T Cells)

B Lymphocytes (B Cells)

Dendritic cells

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24
Q

What are components of Humoral immunity?

A

B cells / Plasma Cells

Antibody immunity

Can involve “classical” complement

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25
What are the components of Cell mediated (Cellular) Immunity?
T cells Activation of macrophages & NK cells Release of cytokines (chemical mediators) Delayed Type Hypersensitivity (DTH) AKA –Type IV Hypersensitivity Antibody independent (Takes 2-3 days to develop)
26
What are the components of a Neutrophil?
Multilobednucleus * Commonest leucocyte * 2500-7500/mm3 of blood * A short-lived phagocytic cell * Contains granules * Full of numerous bactericidal substances * Proteases / MPO > Hypochlorite / Defensins
27
What is the role of Neutrophils?
They undergo Phagocytosis and the killing of Microorganisms
28
How do Neutrophils interact with the Adaptive immunity?
* “opsonised” by IgGor complement * Opsoniummeans ‘relish’ (tagged for phagocytosis) * Functions as effector cell of humoral immunity
29
What are the components of a Eosinophil?
A leucocyte (white blood cell) Granulocyte 1-6% of white blood cells Large refractile granules Contain a number of highly basic or ‘cationic’ proteins (antimicrobial) Important in killing larger multi cellular pathogens Abundant at sites of allergic reactions. Bind avidly to IgE-coated particles Involved in parasitic infection si.e. helminths If your eosinophil count is elevated it indicates a parasitic infection > eosinophilia
30
What is the role of Eosinophil?
Killing of antibody-coated parasites through release of granule contents
31
What are the components of a Basophil?
A leucocyte With large basophilic granules
32
Basophil) What do the Granules contain?
Heparin Histamine & other vasoactive amines This why the condition will be itchy
33
Basophil) What happens with the process of Granules released at sites of inflammation?
In immediate hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions Express high affinity receptors for IgE(bind IgE) Interaction of bound IgE with antigen causes release of basophil granules
34
What are the components of the Mast cell?
A tissue cell Similar to its circulating counterpart, the basophil
35
Mast Cell) What happens upon stimulation?
It can rapidly release inflammatory mediators Heparin Histamine & other vasoactive amines
36
What is the role of the Mast Cell?
Expulsion of parasites from body through release of granules containing histamine and other active agents
37
What are the main components of a Monocyte?
The largest nucleated cell of the blood 16-20mm diameter Develops into a macrophage When it migrates into the tissues Infection causes recruitment Inflammation
38
What is the role of Monocyte?
Circulating precursor cell to macrophage
39
List the White blood cells
Neutrophil, Eosinohil, Basophil, monocyte and Lymphocyte
40
What are the main components of the Macrophage?
A professional antigen presenting cell (APC) The principal resident phagocyte of the tissues. Strongly phagocytic of particles and microbes Phage means ‘eating’ Has receptors for Ig and complement
41
What is the role of the Macrophage?
Phagocytosis and Killing of Microorganisms. Activation of T cells and initiation of immune responses
42
What is the name of the Macrophage in the CNS?
microglia
43
What is the name of the Macrophage in the Liver?
Kupffer cells
44
What is the name of the Macrophage in the Lungs?
alveolar macrophages
45
What is the name of the Macrophage in the Bone?
osteoclasts
46
What are the main components of the Natural Killer cells?
Type of lymphocyte Able to kill virus infected cells Certain types of cancer cells Microscopically distinguishable Large granular lymphocytes Presence of large cytoplasmic granules Contain perforins
47
What is the Role of the NK Cells?
Kills cells infected with certain viruses
48
How are NK cells involved with Innate Immunity?
Act independently of antigen presentation and recognition events required for cytotoxic T cell killing Different from Natural Killer T Cells (NKT Cells)
49
How are NK cells involved with Adaptive immunity?
Will also target opsonised cells
50
What are the main components of Dendritic cells?
Cells possess long processes Membranous projections Which interlock with lymphoid cells Present antigen to them They are professional antigen presenting cells (APCs) Both innate & adaptive roles
51
What is the role of the Dendritic cells?
Activation of T cells and initiation of adaptive immune responses
52
What is the role of Dendritic cells in Innate immunity?
Phagocytic cells Like other cells they recognise pathogens through surface receptors and become ‘activated’
53
What is the role of Dendritic cells in Adaptive immunity?
Phagocytise pathogens and display their antigen (presentation) This activates the T & B cells
54
What are the main components of the T lymphocytes? (T cells)
A thymus-derived (or processed) lymphocyte. 1500 -4000/mm3blood 6-15mm diameter Red blood cell 7.2mm diam
55
What are the two main subdivisions of T cells?
CD8 (cytotoxic T cells / Tc) –Kill infected cells / cancer cells CD4 (helper T cells / Th) –Activate macrophages & Tc Cells
56
What are the two sizes of Lymphocytes?
Small T lymphocytes -Scanty cytoplasm Large activated lymphocytes -More cytoplasm
57
What are the main components of B Lymphocytes? (B cells)
A bone marrow derived lymphocyte The precursor of antibody forming cells It transforms in to a Plasma cell The B lymphocyte in its high-rate antibody secreting state Rarely seen in the blood but found In spleen, lymph nodes etc Whenever antibody is being made
58
What is the role of a small lymphocyte?
Production of antibodies (B cells) Or cytotoxic and helper functions (T cells)
59
What is the role of the Plasma cell?
Fully differentiated form of B cell that secretes antibodies
60
What are the 3 primary roles of the Lymphatic system?
Drains excess interstitial fluid –Lymphatic vessels drain excess interstitial fluid from tissue spaces and return it to the blood Transports dietary lipids –Lymphatic vessels transport lipids and lipid soluble vitamins (A, D, E & K) absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract Carries out immune responses –Lymphatic tissue and lymphoid organs initiate a highly specific responses directed agai
61
Lymphatic system) What is the role of the network of vessels?
Conveys extracellular tissue fluid (as lymph), via the thoracic duct, back to the bloodstream
62
Lymphatic system) What is the Role of the Blind-ended lymphatic capillaries?
Which unite to form lymphatic vessels Vessels have valves to prevent backflow of lymph
63
How does the Lymph differe to the plasma?
contains less protein Some cells (mainly lymphocytes) Milky in appearance
64
What is Lymphatic filariasis?
Elephantiasis of the legs and scrotum
65
What is Onchocerciasis?
AKA -Riverblindness Can cause ‘hanging groin’ Scrotal elephantiasis
66
What are the Primary Lymphoid Organs?
Shown in yellow Bone marrow Thymus
67
What are the Secondary lymphoid organs?
Adenoids Tonsils Lymph nodes Spleen Peyer’s patches Appendix
68
What is the role of the Bone Marrow?
The major haemopoietic organ Formation of blood cells Includes red & white blood cells
69
Haematopoiesis) What are Cancellous bones?
Different to compact (cortical) bone which is involved in support Long bones Femur / Humerus/ Tibia
70
Haematopoiesis) What are Flat bones?
Pelvis Sternum Cranium Ribs & Vertebrae Scapulae
71
What are the components of the Bone marrow?
It produces all blood cell types * Except mature T cells * Contains -numerous blood vessels * A reticular stroma with macrophages * Extracellular matrix •Fat cells (yellow marrow)
72
Where do all the blood cell types come from?
A pleuripotent haematopoietic progenitor cell •Or stem cell

Microbiology and immunology (17 decks)

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