Lecture 15 - Polio Flashcards
*The IgA immune system is uniquely involved in what type of immunity?
Surface immunity. It does not enter a babies vasculature or tissue. It protects our surfaces.
IgA is the major antibody active at what types of surfaces?
Active at mucosal surfaces and secretions within and outside the body.
Explain the method by which IgA’s are made and released
- The antigens that stimulate IgA are taken up in cell and specialized AG-presenting cells (APC) within these sites present these antigens.
- Unique T cells and B cells, specific for this Ag, react and clone resulting in IgA-producing B cell clones specific to that antigen.
- Multiplying daughter B cells migrate to other mucosal sites and start secreting the IgA dimers
What action will result in antibody protection at all mucosal sites?
Antigen at one mucosal site results in antibody protection at ALL mucosal sites
After the IgA dimers are secreted in response to an Ag, what occurs?
The dimeric-IgA molecules are picked up by poly-Ig Fc receptors on the tissue-side surface of submucosal epithelium, the IgA is bound by the Fc receptor, taken up by the epithelial cell and extruded through the other side of the cell onto the mucosal surface.
What is the secretory component of IgA?
-While IgA is in the cell, the Fc receptor is cleaved by a protease but a portion is left clinging to the IgA, and is still there after the IgA is released into the lumen.
General role of secretory component of IgA
Helps protect secretory IgA (sIgA) dimers from proteases at the mucosal surface.
*Does sIgA from maternal milk pass into the baby’s vasculature or tissues?
No, it protects the oral and gut mucosa of babies and compliments the tissue/blood protection offered by the IgG passive immunity from placental transfer.
Where is the one surface site where IgA is not the major antibody involved in protection?
Cervicular space between teeth and gingiva
Some animals are born without any maternal-derived antibodies. How do they receive their passive immunity?
Passive transfer of maternal IgG as well as IgA is accomplished within the first couple of hours after birth. Maternal colostrum milk containing a sampling of all her antibodies are given orally to the baby. The neonatal gut is somewhat porous and allows for absorption into tissues and vasculature. The gut epithelium closes at about 12 hrs after birth. It is crucial they receive this colostrum milk as soon as possible after birth.
Name 4 specific functions of sIgA
- Neutralize toxins and viruses at mucosal surfaces
- Block colonization by undesirable organisms
- May decrease unwanted immune reactions to food
- Binds to mucus (IgA is sticky) preventing rapid loss by flushing action of saliva.
T or F, IgA does not survive well on our gut mucosal surfaces because it is very sensitive to acids and proteolytic enzymes
False. sIgA is INSENSITIVE to acids and proteolytic enzymes which allows it to be the antibody protecting our mucosal surfaces.
Is sIgA a good activator of complement?
No it is a poor activator of complement and an inconsistent opsonizer
Is IgA found in the body or just on the mucosal surfaces?
To a much lesser extent, IgA is found inside the body. It is typically monomeric and functions similarly to IgG and IgM. It is still a poor complement activator.
4 bacteria we have talked about in class have a virulence factor called IgA protease to degrade sIgA. What are they?
- N. gonorrhoeae
- N. meningitides
- S. pneumoniae
- H. influenzae
Regarding oral tolerance, high dose Ag feeding results in what?
In the induction of anergy (immune unresponsiveness)