W3P1 Flashcards
What is the route of entry, mode of transmission and pathogen for the following diseases
Influenza meningitis Diarrhea Syphilis AIDS
Influenza: airway -> inhaled droplet -> influenza virus
meningitis: airway -> spores -> N. meningitidis
Diarrhea: GI tract -> contaminated water or food -> rotavirus
Syphilis: reproductive tract -> physical contact -> treponema pallidum
AIDS: reproductive tract -> physical contact -> HIV
What is the route of entry, mode of transmission and pathogen for the following diseases
Yellow Fever Lyme disease Malaria Tetanus Athlete's foot
Yellow Fever: insect bites -> mosquito -> flavivirus
Lyme disease: insect bites -> deer tick bites -> borrelia burgdorferi
Malaria: insect bites -> mosquito bites -> plasmodium
Tetanus: Wounds and abrasions -> puncture wounds -> clostridium tetnai
Athlete’s foot: external surface -> physcial contact -> trichophyton
Which four classes of pathogens does the immune system protect against?
- Extracellularbacteria, parasites, fungi
- intracellular bacteria, parasites
- viruses (intracellular)
- Parasitic worms (extracellular)
the way our immune system fights pathogens does depend on the type of pathogen as different parts of the immune system are selectively activated.
What are some mechanical barriers to infection?
epithelial cells joined by tight junctions (everywhere)
longitudinal flor of air or fluid
movement of mucus by cilia (lungs)
What are some chemical intrinsic barriers to infection?
skin; fatty acid
gut: low pH, enzymes (pepsin)
eyes/nose: salivary enzymes (lysozyme)
all have antibacterial peptides
What is the timeframe of innate immunity
immediate: 0-4 hours
What is the time frame of early induced response?
early: 4-96 hours/4 days
involves:
recognition of microbial-associated molecular patterns
- inflammation and recruitment and activation of effector cells
once the level of antigens passes a certain threshold, this adaptive immune response is activated^
What is the timeframe of adaptive immunity
late: greater than 96 hours/4 days
- involves transport of antigen to lymphoid organs
- recognition by naive B and T cells
- clonal expansion and differentiation to effector cells
- removal of infectious agents.
What are the receptors expressed by macrophages for bacterial components?
Mannose receptor glucan receptor LPS receptor (CD14) TLR-4 Scavenger receptor
What are the 5 main cytokines secreted by macrophages and DCs?
IL-1 IL-6 CXC8 (IL-8) IL-12 TNFa
For IL-1 what are:
- The main producer
- Acts upon
- Effect
- The main producer: Macrophages, keratinocytes
Acts upon–>
endothelial cells: release IL 6 -> liver -> platelets and Induces acute-phase protein secretion (CRP)
bone marrow: increased secretion of granulocytes and platelelts
hypothalamus: increase temperature, FEVER
What are acute phase proteins
Acute-phase proteins (APPs) are a class of proteins whose plasma concentrations increase (positive acute-phase proteins) or decrease (negative acute-phase proteins) in response to inflammation. This response is called the acute-phase reaction (also called acute-phase response).
they facilitate/ signal inflammation
IL-6 what are:
- The main producer
- Acts upon
- Effect
producer: Macrophages, DCs
acts upon ->
lymphocytes –> Enhances responses
Liver –> Induces acute-phase protein secretion
CXCL8 (IL-8)
- The main producer
- Acts upon
- Effect
Producer:
Macrophages, DCs
acts up -> effect
Phagocytes -> chemoattractant for neutrophils
IL-12
- The main producer
- Acts upon
- Effect
producer: macrophage, dendritic cells
Acts on: Naive T cells
Effect: diverts immune response to type 1, proinflammatory, cytokine secretion
TNF a
- The main producer
- Acts upon
- Effect
producers: macrophages and DCs
act upon: vascular endothelium
effect: induces changes in vascular endothelium (expression of cell-adhesion molecules (E - and P- selectin) changes in cell-cell junction with increased fluid loss.
What do DMARDs stand for?
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs
What diseases are Biologics used in the treatment of?
Asthma
Rheumatoid arthritis
Hypercholesterolemia and Cancer
What are Biologics?
- what are they specially designed to treat?
The term “biologics” is used for a class of medications (either approved or in development) produced by means of biological processes involving recombinant DNA technology
- Specially designed to treat inflammatory diseases such as RA and asthma.
- Work by different mechanisms.
What are the three mechanisms through which Biologics work?
These medications are usually one of three types:
- Substances that are (nearly) identical to the body’s own key signalling proteins
- Monoclonal antibodies
- Receptor constructs (fusion proteins), usually based on a naturally-occurring receptor linked to the immunoglobulin frame
What is the first Biologic drug?
INSULIN :)
mechansims: one that simulates body’s own key signalling proteins
What is inflammation
The body’s natural response to injury
Dilation (increase in diameter) & fenestration (increase in permeability) of the capillaries
Edema (swelling, redness)
Local rise in temperature
Pain, sensitivity to pain
Influx of leukocytes, esp. polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), and macrophages
Increased (~tenfold) drainage into lymphatic system
What leukocytes are most commonly drawn to sites of inflammation?
polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and macrophages
Asthma’s main mechanism
This is an inflammatory disease
mediated specifically by the activation of antibody IgE (which goes to mast cells degranulates them and releases histamines- pro-inflammatory, and bronchoconstricting)
specifically:
DC uptake of antigen, presentation to T cell, proliferation of TH2 cells which release: IL25 and IL33 and chemokines
Asthma approved drugs include?
ICS: Inhaled Corticosteroids
these act as anti-inflammatory.
How has antibody technology evolved over the past decades?
1st gen: Fully mouse, highly immunogenic (e.g. abciximab)
2nd gen: Chimeric, still very immunogenic
3rd gen: Humanized, better but time consuming to create (bococizumab)
4th gen: Fully Human e.g. evolocumab and alirocumab
What is the mechanism of action of Omalizumab
- Binds to free IgE, decreasing cell-bound IgE
- decreases expression of high-affinity receptors (FcE)
- decreases mediator release
- decreases allergic inflammation
- prevents exacerbation of asthma and reduces symptoms
details:
IgE binding releases IL 4, 5 and 13
IL4 and 13: released by AND trigger: CD4TH2 -> B cell, basophil
IL5: eosinophil
What and when is Omalizumab perscribed?
Omalizumab was approved for the treatment of moderate-to severe persistent asthma in patients 12 years of age and older whose disease is not adequately controlled with ICSs alone.
It has been under recent investigations for the treatment of perennial (consistent) and seasonal allergic rhinitis.
anti-IgE?
Mepolizumab and Reslizumab
- what do they treat
- their mechanism
- their target?
- Mepolizumab and Reslizumab are humanized mAbs directed against IL-5.
- Given that IL-5 induces the maturation, activation, and recruitment of eosinophils, it is a logical target for the treatment of asthma.
Dupilumab
- what does it treat
- mechanism
- target
Dupilumab is a fully human mAb to the IL-4 receptor α subunit, which is shared by both the IL-4 and IL-13 receptors.
IL4 seems to be involved in the TH2/Bcell stimulation of IgE -> mast cells, basophil
Lebrikizumab
- what is it used to treat
- mechanism
- target?
For the treatment of asthma
- is a humanized anti–IL-13 IgG4 mAb
IL13: Involved in TH2-> bcell production of IgE -> mast cells and basophils
What are the components involved in the immunology of the inflammatory response in rheumatoid arthritis
Macrophages TNF a and IL-1 TH1 B cells Osteoclasts
Role of Macrophages, TNFa/IL-1 in RA
Macrophages:
- Produce cytokines
- Cytokines (TNFα) cause systemic features
- Release chemokines -> recruit PMNs into synovial fluid/membrane
TNFα & IL-1:
- Proliferation of T cells
- Activation of B cells
- Initiates proinflammatory/joint-damaging processes
Rheumatoid Arthritis
- pathophys
- target
A disease of inflammation and autoimmunity
Rheumatoid factor complexes trigger complement activation
-> tissue damage
Attract PMNs & macrophages
Affects the joints - localized to synovial membrane
Initiating event - unknown - genetic predisposition
What is a rheumatoid factor
- An IgM antibody against IgG
- Present in most rheumatoid patients
- Produced by B-cells in synovial fluid
What is a pannus
PMNs + macrophages + fibroblasts form scarlike tissue that accumulates in the joint
present in chronic stages of RA. formation of the pannus stimulates the release of IL1, platelet derived growth factor, prostaglandins
which all ultimately cause cartilage destruction and bone erosion.
What is the rationale to take a more aggressive treatment approach to RA?
Paradigm shift in the treatment of inflammatory arthritis
Rationale for Treatment
- Large body of evidence which shows joint damage is an early phenomenon of rheumatoid arthritis
- Joint erosions occur in up to 93% of patients with less than 2 years of disease activity
- The rate of radiographic progression is greatest in the first two years
- Disability occurs early – 50% of patients with RA will be work disabled at 10 years
- Severe disease is associated with increased mortality
What is the role of glucocorticoids in the treatment of Inflammatory arthritis?
They treat the symptoms but not the cause so really only useful for short term flaire ups.
What are the newer therapeutic strategies for RA?
- Use of early DMARDs
- Combinations of Conventional DMARDs
- Three studies have confirmed the use of “triple therapy” in early RA is more effective than a single agent.
- Combinations of Methotrexate plus Biologic agents
DMARD: disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs
What affect do DMARDs have
Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)
Symptom Control
- Control current inflammatory features
Modify the course of disease
- Reduce joint damage and deformity
- Reduce radiographic progression
- Reduce long-term disability
Function of DMARDs as RA treatment?
1st vs 2nd generation
DMARDs can actually arrest or slow RA progression (i.e., joint erosion as seen on X-rays)
More toxic than NSAIDS
1st generation: gold compounds, e.g., aurothioglucose
- Accumulate in monocytes & macrophages
- Interfere with migration and phagocytosis
- Toxicity: colitis, immune dysfunctions
- Weekly IM injections
2nd generation: cytotoxic B/T cell inhibitors e.g., methotrexate, leflunomide
- Block synthesis of pyrimidines (used to make DNA)
- Prevent B and T cell proliferation -> rheumatoid factor not produced
Examples of available DMARDs?
Methotrexate Sulfasalazine (Salazopyrin) Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) Leflunomide (Arava) Gold (Myochrisine) Others: - Cyclosporine - Azathioprine - Cyclophosphamide
What are some common DMARD combinations?
Triple Therapy
Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine, Hydroxychloroquine
Double Therapy Methotrexate & Leflunomide Methotrexate & Sulfasalazine Methotrexate & Hydroxychloroquine Methotrexate & Gold Sulfasalazine & Plaquenil
Monotherapy (not done anymore)
Methotrexate
- mechanism of action
Tetrahydrofolate is an important cofactor in the production of purines transferring a carbon atom.
Methotrexate inhibits dihydrofolate reductase which inhibits the production of tetrahydrofolate
it ALSO inhibits AICAR
inhibits T and B cells so you don’t get production of rhematoid factor (IgM against IgG)
how do glucocorticoids work?
Inflammation is your immune system’s response to an injury or infection. It makes your body produce more white blood cells and chemicals to help you heal. Sometimes, though, that response is too strong and can even be dangerous. Asthma, for example, is inflammation in your airways that can keep you from breathing.
If you have an autoimmune disease, your body triggers inflammation by mistake. That means your immune system attacks healthy cells and tissue as if they were viruses or bacteria.
Glucocorticoids keep your body from pumping out so many of the chemicals involved in inflammation. They can also dial back your immune system’s response by changing the way white blood cells work.
What is Allogeneic Tissue Transplant
Recipient (host) receives tissue (graft) from non-self donor
Recipient and graft are fully or partially HLA matched
Recipient is immunosuppressed to prevent graft rejection and a graft-vs-host reaction using immune-ablative chemo- and/or radiotherapy
What is Graft vs Host Disease
Complication following an allogeneic tissue transplant
GVHD results from a donor-driven immune attack against the recipient
Donor T lymphocytes attack the immune suppressed recipient’s tissues: respond to genetically determined proteins on recipient cells
These proteins are human class I and class II leukocyte antigen (HLA)
expressing peptides
*Result is a multisystem clinical syndrome
Graft attacks the host = GVHD
GVHD vs Rejection
Graft attacks the host = GVHD
Host attacks graft = rejection
What are the three types of GVHD
- Following an allogeneic stem cell transplant
- Following solid organ transplant
- Following a blood transfusion: transfusion-associated GVHD
What are Billingham’s Criteria
3 Conditions for GVHD
- Graft must contain immunologically competent donor cells (Tolerant to donor self, intolerant to foreign)
- Host must be unable to reject/eliminate the donor cells of the graft (immunosuppressed or genetically similar to donor)
- Host and graft must be antigenically different from each other (MHC differences)
What is HLA
Human Leukocyte Antigens = MHC