Usmle Immuno-3 Flashcards
How can you tell Brutons agammaglobulinemia apart from other humoral defect conditions?
It is the only one that does not give you ANY B-cells…they are all stuck in the Pre-B-cell stage
What is the usual defect leading to MHC class I deficiency?
Failure of TAP molecules to transport peptides to the ER for attachment to an MHC I molecule
What are the clinical manifestations of an MHC class I defect?
No CD 8+ T-cells but normal Cd4+ cells.
Recurrent viral infections
Normal delayed type hypersensitivity
What are the clinical manifestations of an MHC II deficiency? (AKA Bare lymphocyte deficiency)
Deficient CD4+ T-cells looking like an AIDS patient.
No GVHD
No Delayed type hypersensitivity.
Decreased Igs
What is the main receptor that HIV binds to on cells, and what are two co-receptors?
CD4 is the main receptor
CCR5 on macrophages
CXCR4 on T-cells
What is the gene from HIV that is responsible for virulence?
nef Gene… down regulates class I MHC expression
In what cells does HIV replicate?
Lymphocytes and macrophages
Macrophages are the reservoir for the virus
What does the TAT gene product of HIV do?
Inhibits cytokine synthesis in both infected and uninfected cells
What is the function of the gp120 glycoprotein on HIV?
It binds the CD4 receptor and the coreceptors…
What type of individual may be exposed to HIV over and over and never get infected?
One who is homozygous for a mutated CCR5 receptor….Heterozygotes CAN get it but just takes many many exposures and there is a much slower clinical progression
The presence of what protein on CD4+ T cells might facilitate ADCC via NK cells in HIV patients?
p24, one of the first HIV proteins to peak
What is the major mechanism of damage that occurs during a type I hypersensitivity reaction?
IgE present on mast cells or basophils is crosslinked by an antigen and initiates degranulation of vasoactive mediators, esp histamine….Leads to cellular swelling and itching
Which type of hypersensitivities are antibody mediated?
I, II and III
What are the two tests used to check for type I hypersensitivities?
The scratch test
or
The immunosorbant assay
What cell type is responsible for damage in type IV hypersensitivities and what are the two ways damage occurs?
Cell type is Th1 cells leading to a delayed type hypersensitivity.
Macrophages can get activated by then and release inflammatory cytokines OR
Cytotoxic killer cells can get activated an carry out cellular damage.
What are the 4 T’s of type IV hypersensitivity?
T-cells
TB
Touch (contact dermatitis)
Transplant rejections
What is the acronym ACID supposed to help you remember?
Hypersensitivities! I: Allergic and Atopic II: Cytotoxic antibody mediated III: Immune complex IV: Delayed celllular type
Why are type II hypersensitivities considered Antibody Mediated?
Because IgG or IgM binds to fixed antigen on enemy cell and causes lysis or phagocytosis…
What are the three mechanisms via which cellular damage occurs in a type II hypersensitivity?
Opsonization of cells or complement activation
Abs recruit neutrophils and macrophages that cause damage
The Abs can bind normal cellular receptors and interfere with functioning.
What are the tests used to check for type II hypersensitivity reactions?
Coombs, either direct or indirect.
What besides histamine is released from granules during a type I hypersensitivity?
Eosinophil chemotactic factor, which draws eosinophils that causes tissue damage via release of Major basic protein
and
Heparin, which acts as anticoagulant
What are the two major changes brought about by histamine?
Increased SM contraction (bronchoconstriction)
and
Increased vascular permeability
What are the main secondary mediators of a type I hypersensitivity?
PGs and LTs made after arachadonic acid is cleaved from damaged cellular membranes (damaged by histamines effects..) These cause much more prolonged damage than histamine via the same mechanisms
What type of hypersensitivity is occurring in a blood transfusion mismatch?
Type II….antibodies bind the ABO blood groups
What is important to remember about Erythroblastosis Fetalis?
It occurs in an Rh - mother with an Rh + fetus… The first pregnancy sensitizes BUT MISCARRIAGES COUNT so if the mom has had a few abortions her first viable child can still get hemolytic disease of the newborn
What type of antibodies are seen in RA?
Rheumatoid factor, which is IgM against the Fc portion of IgG. Anti IgG IgM
What is specifically targeted by T-cells in MS (type 4 hypersensitivity?)
Myelin Basic Protein… To differentiate this from MG, MG is a WEAKNESS…MS is a spastic paralysis.
What is the specific target of T-cells in Guillain Barre, type 4 hypersensitivity?
Peripheral nerve myelin or ganglionsides (think Campylobacter)
What is the clinical use of Abciximab?
Anti-platelet…antagonist of IIb/IIIa receptor
What is the clinical use of Infliximab?
RA and Crohn’s disease…Binds TNF
What is the clinical use of Trastuzumab?
Breast cancer…Antagonist to ERB-B2
What is the clinical use of Dacliximab?
Kidney transplants…Blocks IL-2 receptors
What is the clinical use of Muronomab?
Kidney Transplants–blocks CD3
What is the clinical use of Palivizumab?
RSV—blocks the fusion protein
What is the clinical use of Rituximab?
Non-Hodgekin Lymphoma…Binds CD20 on B cells
Who are 4 individuals who will NOT cause Gv Host disease if their BM is donated?
DiGeorges
HIV
SCID
Class II MHC deficiency…none of these have CD4+ T cells
What is the Microcytotoxicity test used for?
To test MHC I compatibility between donor and recipient.. .. .. Uses complement to determine the MHC haplotype. Mix donor cells with antibodies to a specific HLA A B or C subtypes, then spin them down. If antibodies bound they will be in the pellet..add complement and if it lyses the cell you can see it by incorporation of an added dye into the cells.
What is the Mixed Lymphocyte Reaction used to test?
Class II MHC compatibility… Irradiate donor cells so they cannot proliferate…give to recipient cells, and if the recipient cells proliferate (detected via radioactive assays) there is not a match.
Which type of test is more specific in a direct or indirect Coombs test?
Indirect is more specific for any kind of laboratory test.
What type of cells does Epstein Barr virus infect?
B-cells
What does a Positive Heterophile antibody tell you?
The pathogen is EBV
What is an immune complex comprised of?
Antigen
Antibody
Complement
What are the symptoms of serum sickness?
Fever, urticaria, arthralgias, proteinuria and lymphadenopathy..occurs in reaction to foreign proteins, esp of drugs
What is the test to determine a type III hypersensitivity?
Immunostaining to look for deposition in tissues
What is an Arthus reaction?
A subacute reaction after intradermal injection of antigen induces antibodies, which form complexes in the skin….Edema, necrosis and activation of complement occurs.
What are the major cells responsible for the damage done in Type III hypersensitivities?
Neutrophils, which secrete lysosomal enzymes after being attracted to an area via complement activation.
What are 8 classic granulomatous diseases?
TB Fungal like Histoplasmosis Syphilis Leprosy Cat Scratch Fever Sarcoidosis Crohn's Disease Berylliosis