lecture 1 - antibodies, T cell receptors and MHC molecules Flashcards
what are the organisms that causes disease
pathogens
examples of pathogens
bacteria
viruses
fungi
worms
protozoa
specific/adaptive response exhibits
memory
what features allow specific immune response to have memory
- clonally distributed receptors
- large repertoire (cells have lots of different receptors)
what is the lag phase
time from infection until you get your response
lag phase in secondary response
much shorter and the number of antibodies is much higher
when a specific lymphocyte binds to a foreign antigen that lymphocyte activate and is
clonally expanded
lymphocytes are
t cells and b cells
BCR (b cell receptor) is expressed by B lymphocyte and binds to
free antigens
when the B cell is activated the BCR is released from the cell now known as an
antibody
TCR is not dimeric, what two chains does it have
an alpha and beta chain
the TCR only binds to antigens are being displayed to it by
MHC molecules
TCR is always on the T cell and never
secreted
MHCs are expressed by
APC (antigen presenting cells)
how do antibodies interact with the complement system
via the constant heavy chain regions
complement system can cause destruction of what very quickly
pathogens
how do antibodies activate effector cells
the Fc region of the antibody can be recognised by activator cells via the FcR (Fc receptor)
antibody structure:
what chains to antibodies have
2 light and 2 heavy chain
the variable domains of the two chains form the
antigen binding site