Lecture 2 - Immunology of the FRT

Question 1

What is the role of the immune system?

Answer 1

Recognise and neutralise threats to the body

Question 2

What are the layers of the immune system?

Answer 2

1. Physical/chemical e.g. skin, sweat, mucosa
2. Innate; cells that phagocytose pathogens e.g. NK, macrophages and granulosa cells
3. Adaptive; antibody/antigen response, involves T&B cells, need host cells, chemicals and molecules

Question 3

What is the immune responsse?

Answer 3

heat, redness, swelling, pain, L.O.F

Question 4

What are the components of the innate immune system?

Answer 4

1. Body barriers
2. Immediate action (AMPs)
3. Non-specific (PRR)
4. Leukocyes (neutrophils, macrophages, NK cells and dendritic cells)

Question 5

What are PRRs? Give an example of one

Answer 5

Pattern recognition receptors. Recognise pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). TLRs are PRR. They recognise PAMPs and activate downstream signalling pathways and recruit a specific set of adaptor molecules

Question 6

What is the adaptive immune system?

Answer 6

Specific, efficient system with long lasting response. Destroys invading pathogens and toxic molecules they produce

Question 7

What are the effector mechanisms of the adaptive immune system?

Answer 7

Cellular: T lymphocytes (cytotoxic or helper)
Humoural: B lymphocytes (secrete ABs)

Question 8

What are some challenges that the FRT faces in terms of immune invasion?

Answer 8

Menstruation, fertilisation, implantation, pregnancy, defence against microorganisms, partuition

Question 9

What is the role of the immune system in the FRT?

Answer 9

Protect from possible infections, helps passage of sperm, facilitates implantation, enables pregnancy to continue to term

Question 10

What are the components of the innate immune system in the FRT?

Answer 10

Epithelial cells - physical barrier, natural production of antimicrobial peptides
Expression of TLRs - highest during secretory phase (day 14 after ovulation)

Question 11

How is immunity regulated in teh FRT?

Answer 11

Estradiol - increases susceptibilty to infection and allowance of sperm
Progesterone: increases immune surveillance and provides tracts for implantation

Question 12

What happens during menstruation?

Answer 12

Progesterone surge = high immune awareness
Neutro and macro arrive at decidua
Enzymes (MMPs and TIMPs) degrade CT
Clearance of tissue fragments

Question 13

What role does inflammation play in implantation?

Answer 13

First trimester: implantation and placentation resemble open wound therefore strong inflammatory response
Second trimester: time for growth and development - reduced inflammation
Third trimester: renewed inflam and influx of immune cells to myometrium - promotes contraction of uterus

Question 14

What happens if immune system is not present during pregnancy?

Answer 14

Negative effects on placental development, implantation and decidualisation

Question 15

True or False: the immune system is under careful control during pregnancy?

Answer 15

TRUE