L15&16 - Blood and Immunity Flashcards
what is an antibody?
a molecule produced in response to an antigen which can bind specifically with the antigen which induced its formation
what is the difference between the constant and variable region?
constant segment splits into Y shape with variable tips which is the site for binding
what are the five classes of antibody?
IgM
IgA
IgD
IgG (80%)
IgE
what is the difference between the primary and secondary antibody response?
primary takes time, secondary is more prepared so it is much faster
what are the types of T cells?
- T helper cells
- T cytotoxic cells
- T suppressor cells
- T natural killer cells
what is the function of T cytotoxic cells?
kill cells that are infected with viruses and bacteria and destroy tumour cells
what is the function of T helper cells?
send signals that tell other cells in immune system how to attack intruders
what is the function of T suppressor cells?
reduce activity of other T cells when necessary and prevent T cells from attacking healthy cells
what is the function of antigen presenting cells?
they take up pathogens and process them using Major Histocompatibility Complex and 2 surface proteins to make them recognizable to T cells to destroy
what is complement?
collection of protein molecules which circulate in the blood in an inactive form
activated in a cascade fashion by presence of foreign antigen and can induce response
what processes does complement facilitate?
phagocytosis, inflammatory response and some can destroy antigens/pathogens
what is immunity?
a state of resistance against infection from a particular pathogen
what are the 2 fundamental types of immunity?
non-specific (innate) and specific (adaptive)
describe inflammatory response?
component of innate immunity
function as a localized battleground
C reactive protein increases as part of the response - useful as diagnostic marker for infection
IL-1 and IL-6 from macrophages target the Hypothalamus causes fever which carries out many benfits
what are the types of aquired immunity?
active immunity - produced by antibodies that develop in response to antigens
passive immunity - produced by transfer of antibodies from one person to another