The Immune System - 102

Question 0

What is the function of T-cells?

Answer 0

2 types:

T helper cells coordinate and regulate immunological response

Cytotoxic T-cells directly kill cells

Question 1

What is the function of B-cells?

Answer 1

Develop antibodies as a plasma cell and signal other cells like phagocytes

Question 2

What is the function of Natural Killer Cells?

Answer 2

Kill target cells eg tumours

Question 3

What is the function of monocytes?

Answer 3

Phagocytes which enter the tissues from the bloodstream

Question 4

What is the function of macrophages?

Answer 4

Act as phagocytes and function as Antigen Presenting Cells to T-cells and B-cells after phagocytosis

Question 5

What is the function of Neutrophils?

Answer 5

Act as phagocytes and mediators of inflammatory reaction

Question 6

What is the function of Basophils?

Answer 6

Release histamine for inflammation and heparin as a anticoagulant

Question 7

What is the function of Eosinophils?

Answer 7

Release the anti-inflammatory histaminase

Question 8

What is the function of dendritic cells?

Answer 8

Antigen presenting cells found in lymph organs

Question 9

What are the 3 pathways that can activate the complement system and what activates them?

Answer 9

Classical pathway - Ab: Ag binding
Alternative pathway - Pathogen presence
Lectin pathway - Lectin binding

Question 10

Why are abscesses so hard to treat?

Answer 10

Antibiotics need actively dividing cells to work, abscesses do not have a very good blood supply and the chemical nature of pus can interfere with some antibiotics.

Question 11

What is the difference between autocrine, paracrine and endocrine cells?

Answer 11

Auto - work on self
Para - work on close by
Endo - enters blood stream

Question 12

What would the consequence of a genetic deficiency in MAC be?

Answer 12

It would actually have very little impact on the immune system but would result in weakness against Neissera species.

Question 13

What does transferrin do? What is it’s importance regarding immune function?

Answer 13

It binds iron. Bacteria need iron for survival, transferrin binds the iron meaning that the environment is low in free iron, thus impeding bacterial survival.

Question 14

What role does fibronectin have regarding the immune system?

Answer 14

It has a role in pathogen opsonisation. It also has roles in cell adhesion, growth, migration and differentiation. It is important in processes such as wound healing

Question 15

What antibiotic would you use to treat a Streptococcus infection?

Answer 15

Penicillins, usually Penicillin V.

Question 16

What antibiotic would you use to treat a Staphylococcus infection?

Answer 16

Flucloxacillins

Question 17

What antibiotic would you use to treat anaerobic infections?

Answer 17

Metronidazole

Question 18

What does clavulonic acid do?

Answer 18

It’s a beta lactamase inhibitor.

Question 19

What are the main side effects of penicillins?

Answer 19

Hypersensitivity reactions

Question 20

What antibiotics can be used if someone has a penicillin allergy? Why are they good?

Answer 20

Macrolides. They have a similar spectrum to penicillins but do not usually cause hypersensitivity. Erythromycin is a macrolide.

Question 21

What are the major side effects of tetracyclines?

Answer 21

Staining of teeth and bones in growing people (e.g. <12 years). Should be avoided in pregnant women and young people.

Question 22

What is a side effect of rifampicin?

Answer 22

Orange tears and body secretions.

Question 23

What is important about flucloxacillin?

Answer 23

It is a beta lactamase resistant penicillin.

Question 24

What percentage of neutrophils are present in the circulation during health?

Answer 24

10%. 90% are in the bone marrow ‘ready to go’

Question 25

What are the signs of acute inflammation?

Answer 25

Redness, swelling, loss of function, pain.