Response to infection (6.7-6.9, 6.12-6.13) Flashcards
Antibody
A protein molecule which binds to an antigen and is produced by plasma cells in response to an infection
Antigen
A foreign substance which is capable of triggering an immune response located on a cell
Antigen presenting cell (APC)
A type of cell which breaks down pathogens and presents
the cellular fragments on their surface for detection by other immune cells
Artificial active immunity
Immunity that is acquired by exposure to a dead or weakened version of a pathogen in the form of a vaccine
Artificial passive immunity
Immunity that is gained by the transfer of premade antibodies to an individual through an injection
B effector cell
A form of B lymphocyte that actively produces and secretes antibodies in response to an infection
B memory cell
A class of B lymphocyte which is found in the lymph nodes and provides long term immunity to a pathogen
Host/Parasite Evolutionary race
The continual competition over time where infectious agents are evolving better infection mechanisms whilst the hosts are simultaneously evolving better defences.
Inflammation
The immune response to tissue damage involving swelling though the accumulation of immune cells and fluids.
Interferon
A cytokine released by virus infected cells which alerts nearby cells and triggers immune defences.
Lysozyme
The enzyme present in secretions such as tears, saliva and mucous which breaks down bacterial cell walls.
Macrophages
A type of immune cell which are specialised for phagocytosis of pathogens and can act as antigen presenting cells
Natural active immunity
Immunity that is gained from infection with a live pathogen.
Natural passive immunity
Immunity produced by the transfer of antibodies from a mother
to a foetus through the placenta or to a baby through breastfeeding.
Pathogen
A microorganism which causes disease.
Phagocytosis
The ingestion of solid material (particularly pathogens and foreign material) by phagocytic cells
Neutrophils ad macrophages
Plasma cell
A type of lymphocyte which B cells differentiate into which produces antibodies
It matures in the bone marrow
Primary immune response
The initial response produced by the immune system when it encounters a pathogen for the first time
Secondary immune response
The response produced by the immune system to a pathogen which it has encountered previously.