Week 7 - Immune System

Question 1

1st Line Defense

Answer 1

• Barrier - Epithelial cells
• Secretions - Mucus perspiration, saliva, ear wax
• Antimicrobial cells - phagolytic neutrophils, macrophages, natural killer cells

Question 2

2nd line Defense

Answer 2

• Inflammation

* Mediated by complement proteins

Question 3

3rd Line Defense

Answer 3

• Cellular and humoral b cells

Question 4

Infection

Answer 4

Disease caused by invasion of pathogenic organisms that produce or multiply

Interventions: prevention - vaccinations, standard and specific precautions

Treatment - antimicrobials

Question 5

Immunosuppression

Answer 5

• Administration of agents that significantly interfere with the ability of the immune system to respond to antigenic stimulation by inhibiting cellular and humoral immunity

Question 6

Corticosteriods

Answer 6

• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Hydrocortisone and prednisone

Used for autoimmune diseases, hypersensitivities

Question 7

Cytotoxic drugs

Answer 7

Immunosuppressants in rheumatoid arthritis and severe psoriasis
* Affect rapidly growing cells (lymphocytes, malignant cells, bone marrow, skin, lining of GIT)

Question 8

Antilympthocytic Serum

Answer 8

Produced by horses, rabbits or goats

Antibodies to Lymphocytes

Question 9

Irradiation

Answer 9

Can cause bone marrow depression

Question 10

Disorders of B Cell function

Answer 10

Impair the ability to produce antibodies and defend against microorganisms and toxins

Question 11

Combined T and B cell Immunodeficiency

Answer 11

Mutation in any of the many genes that influence lymphocyte development

Question 12

HIV

Answer 12

human immunodeficiency virus

Question 13

Transmission of HIV

Answer 13

Blood, bodily fluids, semen, vag fluid, breast milk

Question 14

Treatment of HIV

Answer 14

No cure

Drug therapy - triple therapy - suppressing viral activity

Question 15

HIV

Answer 15

protein on the virus coat binds to CD4 molecules on T helper cells (macrophages and dendritic cells)

Question 16

HIV Testing

Answer 16

Immunoassays - test for the presence of antibodies to HIV

Question 17

Hashimotos

Answer 17

Destroys the thyroid gland

Cold intolerant - weight gain, fatigue, dry skin, constipation, hair loss

Question 18

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Answer 18

Destroys joints

RX: rest, physic, pain relief, anti-inflammatories (e.g Arava - leflunomide)

Question 19

Myasthenia Gravis

Answer 19

Destroys ACH (acetylcholine) receptors in muscles

Question 20

Human Immunodeficiency Virus [HIV]

Answer 20

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.

Question 21

Treatment of HIV

Answer 21

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

Question 22

Type 1 allergic reaction

Answer 22

Type 1: Ige mediated

Most common allergic reaction
Examples hay fever, asthma, anaphylaxis

Question 23

Type 2 allergic reaction: Tissue specific reactions

Answer 23

Specific cell or tissue is the target of the immune response

♣ Examples: haemolytic disease of newborn, ABO incompatibility

Question 24

Type 3: Immune complex mediated

Answer 24

♣ The antibody forms a complex with soluble antigens and not a cell or tissues
♣ Example: Lupus, coeliac disease

Question 25

Type 4: No antibody involvement

Answer 25

♣ Mediated by T lymphocytes
♣ Effects are delayed and may take hours
♣ Example: rejection of transplant, contact dermatitis