Immunology - Introduction to the Immune System

01/06/2024

What is the immune system?

Series of biological process that protects from foreign invaders and manage internal tissues

How can the immune system cause problems?

Chronic diseases have an immune component that causes symptoms and influences disease progression

What is an antigen?

Any substance that specifically binds a receptor/antibody

What is an immunogen?

An antigen that elicits an immune response

What is a leukocyte?

A white blood cell

What are the 4 types of leukocytes?

• Lymphocytes

• Polymorphonuclear leukocytes

• Monocytes

• Dendritic cells

What are myeloid & lymphoid?

Distinct lineages from differentiating immune cells in the bone marrow

What is a lymphocyte?

A class of white blood cell with surface antigen receptor

What is a lymphocyte responsible for?

Adaptive response

What are the 2 types of lymphocytes?

B cells and T cells

What is a complement?

Small proteins made by the liver that float along until activated by cleavage

What are 3 things that a complement does?

• Stimulate phagocytotic cells

• Drive release of cytokines

• Form attack complex that kills invading pathogens

What are cytokines?

Small proteins made by a variety of immune cells and other cells

What are the 2 major divisions of the immune system?

Innate and Adaptive

Which division of the immune system is nonspecific?

Innate

Which division of the immune system is the first line of defense?

Innate

Which division of the immune system is acquired?

Adaptive

Which division of the immune system has specific response to antigens?

Adaptive

The adaptive immune system exhibits “memory”, what does this mean?

Once it is activated, it will be primed for the next time the antigen is encountered

What is phagocytosis?

Engulfing of bacteria or debris by leukocytes to eliminate external threats

Which leukocytes can perform phagocytosis?

• Neutrophils

• Monocytes/Macrophages

• Eosinophils

Which leukocyte is the first to the site of an infection or inflammation?

Neutrophils

What is a phagosome?

A vesicle filled with the engulfed material

What happens after something is phagocytized?

Phagosome combines with lysosome to break down the engulfed material, then it is presented to the adaptive immune system

What is adaptive immunity resistant to?

Specific pathogens or their toxins and metabolic byproducts

What is adaptive immunity driven by?

Lymphocytes

Adaptive immunity can recognize ____ from ____

“Self” and “Non-self”

What are the 2 types of adaptive immunity?

Naturally acquired and artificially acquired

What is naturally acquired ACTIVE immunity?

What is naturally acquired PASSIVE immunity?