t cells and acquired immunity Flashcards
What is the function of cytotoxic (killer) T cells?
They search for and destroy target cells that bear non-self antigens presented in MHC class I context.
What is the function of helper T cells?
They secrete cytokines that bind to receptors on B cells and T cells to stimulate their activity.
What is the function of suppressor T cells?
They secrete signaling molecules that bind to receptors on other immune cells to terminate their activity, thus suppressing immune responses that are no longer needed.
What is the characteristic of memory T cells?
They persist for life in a semi-dormant state but rapidly re-activated on a second exposure to the antigen (pathogen) they are specific for. They bypass the need for the primary immune response on the second infection.
Where do T cells emerge as progenitor cells and where do they differentiate and mature?
T cells emerge in the bone marrow as progenitor cells but migrate to the thymus where they differentiate and mature.
What does CD stand for in the context of lymphocyte populations?
CD stands for cluster of differentiation.
What is the significance of CD markers in distinguishing lymphocyte populations?
CD markers are specific cell surface molecules used to distinguish between different leukocyte subtypes. They help identify the functional characteristics of lymphocyte populations.
What does a CD4+ cell express, and what type of T cell is it likely to be?
A CD4+ cell expresses CD4 and is therefore likely to be a T helper cell.
What does a CD8+ cell express, and what type of T cell is it likely to be?
A CD8+ cell expresses CD8 and is therefore likely to be a cytotoxic T cell.
What is observed in the antigen binding site of MHC class I and MHC class II complexes?
Diversity and a degree of polymorphism are observed in the antigen binding site of MHC class I and MHC class II complexes.
: What does the HLA gene complex encode for in humans?
The HLA gene complex in humans encodes for the major histocompatibility complex molecules found in somatic or antigen presenting cells.
What type of antigens do cytotoxic T cells respond to?
Cytotoxic T cells respond to antigens presented in MHC class I context.
How does a cytotoxic T cell recognize the antigen on an infected cell?
The T cell receptor on a passing cytotoxic CD8+ T cell engages with the peptide presented on the surface of an infected cell.
What is the role of the CD8 molecule on the cytotoxic T cell?
The CD8 molecule on the surface of the cytotoxic T cell “double checks” that the peptide is presented correctly by recognizing that the MHC class I molecule is from a matched allele.
Under what conditions will a cytotoxic T cell kill the target cell?
The cytotoxic T cell will only kill the target cell once these engagements (T cell receptor-peptide interaction and CD8-MHC class I recognition) are complete.
What type of antigens do helper T cells respond to?
Helper T cells respond to antigens presented in MHC class II context.
How does a helper T cell recognize the antigen on a professional antigen presenting cell (APC)?
The T cell receptor on a passing CD4+ helper T cell engages with the peptide presented on the surface of a professional antigen presenting cell.
What does the helper T cell do upon recognizing the antigen?
The helper T cell “double checks” the identity of the presenting cell before becoming activated to secrete molecular messengers (cytokines) that further promote immune responses.
Where are MHC class I molecules found?
MHC class I molecules are found on all nucleated cells.
Where are MHC class II molecules found?
MHC class II molecules are found only on antigen-presenting cells (e.g., macrophage, dendritic cell, B cell).
What type of T cells do MHC class I molecules present antigens to?
MHC class I molecules present antigens directly to CD8+ cytotoxic T cells.
What type of T cells do MHC class II molecules present antigens to?
MHC class II molecules present antigens to CD4+ helper T cells.
From where are the peptide fragments derived that are presented by MHC class I?
Peptide fragments presented by MHC class I are derived from intracellular antigens.
From where are the peptide fragments derived that are presented by MHC class II?
Peptide fragments presented by MHC class II are derived from extracellular antigens.
Where is the peptide fragment loaded onto MHC class I?
The peptide fragment is loaded onto MHC class I in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER).
Where is the peptide fragment loaded onto MHC class II?
The peptide fragment is loaded onto MHC class II in endosomal vesicles.
What is the purpose of the endogenous pathway of antigen presentation?
The endogenous pathway evolved to deal with intracellular infections, primarily caused by viruses.