M: Adaptive immunity 2 - Week 5 Flashcards
How does the antigen specificity of the antibodies secreted by the plasma cell compare to that of the molecule used as the antigen receptor for the B cell?
Exactly the same
What is the antigen receptor for B cells?
Membrane bound antibodies, specifically IgM antibodies
What aspect of antigens are recognised by B cells?
Their shape (conformation)
What does a B-cell do when it first encounters antigen? (4)
- it endocytoses the antigen complex
- it then undergoes rounds of proliferation (about 8-10 generations in 5 days)
- therefore after initial encounter with the antigen, a whole pool of B-cells expressing the receptor for that antigen will be produced (in 5 days)
- the B cells then mature into mostly plasma cells and also a few memory cells
Describe the free antibodies secreted by plasma cells
The free antibodies (IgM) are exactly the same as the membrane-bound antibody that was present on the B-cell
What is the purpose of memory cells?
They persist to combat next infection
List the 3 features of the antibody response to infection
- Enhanced secondary response
- Isotype switching (IgM produced first)
- The development of memory
Describe the antibody response to first infection
When you encounter the first infection, it takes time before you can measure antibody levels in the serum or tears
- the first batch of antibodies secreted are IgM antibodies
- after a while, the immune response decreases as we are eliminating and controlling the infection
- we also see the production of other antibodies (like IgG and IgA)
Describe the antibody response to second infection
Memory response kicks in
- the memory cells are activated much more quickly and start to rapidly secrete IgA antibodies
- there is a strong magnitude in the release and secretion of IgA antibodies
In our blood, which antibody isotype has the highest serum concentration? (i.e. most of the antibody in our blood is which isotype?)
IgG
In regards to IgA: A) Where is it found? B) Does it activate the complement cascade? Explain C) is it a good opsonin? D) is it a good antimicrobial? E) is it involved in allergic activity?
A) is present in our secretions in the tears, respiratory tract and GI tract
B) Does NOT activate cascade b/c it’s found in eyes and tears. Activating cascade would lead to chronic inflammation and impairment of vision
C) is NOT a good opsonin
D) Yes. Very.
E) No
In regards to IgG: A) Where is it found? B) Does it activate the complement cascade? C) is it a good opsonin? D) is it a good antimicrobial? E) is it involved in allergic activity? F (Bonus)) Can it cross the placenta?
A: Blood tissues/Blood B: Yes C: Yes D: Yes. Very E: A bit. F: Yes
In regards to IgM: A) Where is it found? B) Does it activate the complement cascade? C) is it a good opsonin? D) is it a good antimicrobial? E) is it involved in allergic activity?
A: Blood B: yes. A lot C: a bit D: Yes (two ++, but not three +++) E: No
In regards to IgE: A) Where is it found? B) Does it activate the complement cascade? C) is it a good opsonin? D) is it a good antimicrobial? E) is it involved in allergic activity?
A: Basophil. Mast Cells. B: No C: No D: For parasites (+) E: Yes. Very much so.
Explain the role of IgE in allergic reactions
IgE triggers activation of Mast cells which release histamines
How do the levels of IgG, IgA, IgM and IgE change with:
A) Bacterial infection
B) Allergic reaction
C) Viral
A: IgA increase, IgG/IgM slight increase, IgE normal
B: IgG/IgE slight increase, IgA normal, IgM absent
C: IgG/M/E increase, IgA normal
What is sIgA and what does it do?
Secretory IgA = the principle specific protective mechanism operating at the conjunctival surface
- binds microbial adhesion structures to prevent adhesion to mucosal epithelium
- may also bind toxins to prevent attachment to mucosal cells
Explain the mechanism of how IgA is transported across the mucosal epithelium (5)
- sIgA dimers are secreted into interstitial space by plasma cells
- dimer binds to the J-chain of the poly Ig receptor on the surface of acinar epithelial cells
- sIgA receptor complex is endocytosed and transported across the cell, bound to the membrane of the transport vesicle, which fuses to the plasma membrane at the luminal surface
- IgA dimer is released into acinar lumen with the “secretory component”
- The presence of the secretory component protects against proteolytic cleavage by acinar luminal enzymes