Q7: Understand immune response Flashcards
Antibodies
Proteins with specific binding sites, synthesised by B cells.
What happens the body is infected by non-self material?
a B cell produces a specific antibody
Monoclonal antibody
Antibodies produced from a single group of genetically identical B cells.
Monoclonal antibodies are…
all identical in structure
Direct monoclonal antibody therapy
- monoclonal antibodies are produced that are specific to antigens on cancer cells
- the antibodies are given to the patient and attach themselves to the receptors on their cancer cells
- they attach to the surface of their cancer cells and block the chemical signals that stimulate their uncontrolled growth
Indirect monoclonal antibody therapy
attaching a radioactive or cytotoxic drug to the monoclonal antibody,
when the monoclonal antibody attaches to cancer cells it kills them,
Monoclonal antibodies in pregnancy testing
- monoclonal antibodies present on the test strip are linked to coloured particles
- if hCG is present in the urine it binds to these antibodies
- hCG-colour complex moves along the strip until it is trapped by a different type of antibody creating a coloured line.
Ethical issues with monoclonal antibodies
3
- production of monoclonal antibodies involves the use of mice
- some deaths associated with their usage
- some health complications with them
Immunity
The ability of an organism to resist infection
Passive natural immunity
From mother to baby through placenta or breast milk
Passive artificial immunity
Injected with antibodies from someone who has had the disease via blood donation
Active natural immunity
Antibodies from a disease
Active artificial immunity
vaccine, with a harmless dose of antigen
Which out of passive and active
is in contact with the antigen?
active
Which out of passive and active
has long-term immunity
active
