Lymphocyte response

Question 1

Briefly explain Adaptive immunity

Answer 1

Lymphocytes – B and T cells

Similar effector mechanisms to innate immunity

Unique, highly specific system of recognition

Question 2

Explain Pathogen recognition in innate immunity

Answer 2

• A fixed repertoire of receptors and soluble molecules (PRR)
• All components are inherited
• New variants rarely arise

•Overall strategy
–recognise pathogenic structures (PAMPs), or
–detect alterations in infected or damaged cells

Question 3

Explain Pathogen recognition in adaptive immunity

Answer 3

•Each lymphocyte (cell) expresses just one molecular type of receptor
–B cells – B cell Receptor (BCR; membrane immunoglobulin)
–T cells – T Cell Receptor (TCR)

•The receptors are made by gene rearrangement so we all have millions of different specificities
–Each cell is a clone with a unique receptor

Question 4

What are the 3 advantages of adaptive immunity?

Answer 4

–Precise, highly specific targeting

–Memory cells

–Recognize “new” pathogens