Week 7 - Immune System Flashcards
1st Line Defense
- Barrier - Epithelial cells
- Secretions - Mucus perspiration, saliva, ear wax
- Antimicrobial cells - phagolytic neutrophils, macrophages, natural killer cells
2nd line Defense
- Inflammation
* Mediated by complement proteins
3rd Line Defense
- Cellular and humoral b cells
Infection
Disease caused by invasion of pathogenic organisms that produce or multiply
Interventions: prevention - vaccinations, standard and specific precautions
Treatment - antimicrobials
Immunosuppression
- Administration of agents that significantly interfere with the ability of the immune system to respond to antigenic stimulation by inhibiting cellular and humoral immunity
Corticosteriods
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Hydrocortisone and prednisone
Used for autoimmune diseases, hypersensitivities
Cytotoxic drugs
Immunosuppressants in rheumatoid arthritis and severe psoriasis
* Affect rapidly growing cells (lymphocytes, malignant cells, bone marrow, skin, lining of GIT)
Antilympthocytic Serum
Produced by horses, rabbits or goats
Antibodies to Lymphocytes
Irradiation
Can cause bone marrow depression
Disorders of B Cell function
Impair the ability to produce antibodies and defend against microorganisms and toxins
Combined T and B cell Immunodeficiency
Mutation in any of the many genes that influence lymphocyte development
HIV
human immunodeficiency virus
Transmission of HIV
Blood, bodily fluids, semen, vag fluid, breast milk
Treatment of HIV
No cure
Drug therapy - triple therapy - suppressing viral activity
HIV
protein on the virus coat binds to CD4 molecules on T helper cells (macrophages and dendritic cells)
HIV Testing
Immunoassays - test for the presence of antibodies to HIV
Hashimotos
Destroys the thyroid gland
Cold intolerant - weight gain, fatigue, dry skin, constipation, hair loss
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Destroys joints
RX: rest, physic, pain relief, anti-inflammatories (e.g Arava - leflunomide)
Myasthenia Gravis
Destroys ACH (acetylcholine) receptors in muscles
Human Immunodeficiency Virus [HIV]
Directly infects T helped cells by binding with CD4 receptors, ultimately injecting the viral genetic material (RNA) into the healthy T cell. The RNA then converts into a single strand of DNA. This DNA contains multiple “errors” which will ultimately impair the cells function. The now infected T-cell replicates, making other infected T-helper cells.
Treatment of HIV
HART therapy (highly active anti-retro vials)
Combination of drugs aimed at suppressing HIV replication. Must be taken for life
♣ Protease inhibitor: Inhibits protease enzyme of HIV
♣ Reverse transcriptase inhibitors: prevent HIV replication
Type 1 allergic reaction
Type 1: Ige mediated
Most common allergic reaction
Examples hay fever, asthma, anaphylaxis
Type 2 allergic reaction: Tissue specific reactions
Specific cell or tissue is the target of the immune response
♣ Examples: haemolytic disease of newborn, ABO incompatibility
Type 3: Immune complex mediated
♣ The antibody forms a complex with soluble antigens and not a cell or tissues
♣ Example: Lupus, coeliac disease
Type 4: No antibody involvement
♣ Mediated by T lymphocytes
♣ Effects are delayed and may take hours
♣ Example: rejection of transplant, contact dermatitis
