Immune System, Immunodeficiencies, and Pharmacotherapy Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering anatomy and physiology of the immune system, immune disorders, HIV/AIDS management, and relevant musculoskeletal/anti-inflammatory pharmacotherapy.

Neutrophils

First responder cells to infection that rapidly phagocytize bacteria as part of the phagocytic innate immune response.

Macrophages

Large phagocytes derived from monocytes that engulf large quantities of pathogens, remove cellular debris, and present antigens to T-lymphocytes.

Humoral Immune Response

An adaptive immune response driven by B lymphocytes that differentiate into plasma cells to secrete specific immunoglobulins (antibodies) into body fluids to neutralize invaders.

Cellular Immune Response

An adaptive immune response driven by T lymphocytes ($\text{CD4}^+$, $\text{CD8}^+$, Regulatory T) that migrate directly to lymphoid tissue and infection sites to lyse infected cells and release cytokines.

Bone Marrow

Primary central lymphoid organ responsible for hematopoiesis (blood cell production) and B-lymphocyte maturation.

Thymus Gland

Central lymphoid organ where precursor cells mature and are programmed into specialized T lymphocytes, including effector and regulatory T cells.

Spleen

Peripheral lymphoid organ that filters blood, recycles old erythrocytes, and traps bloodborne pathogens via tissue macrophages; splenectomy creates a high long-term risk for severe bacterial infections.

Lymph Nodes

Secondary lymphoid tissues where T cells migrate and proliferate upon antigen exposure, causing localized enlargement such as cervical lymphadenopathy.

Immunosenescence

Age-related decline in immune function, characterized by decreased T-cell responsiveness and reduced antibody production, which increases infection risk in older adults.

Diagnostic Anergy

Depleted $\text{CD4}^+$ T-cell counts in AIDS that prevent the body from mounting a delayed hypersensitivity response, resulting in false-negative skin tests such as the PPD test for tuberculosis.

Interferons

Cytokine proteins produced by virus-infected cells that alert neighboring cells, prevent viral replication, and activate macrophages and Natural Killer (NK) cells.

Stem Cells

Undifferentiated precursor cells in the bone marrow capable of continuous self-renewal and differentiation into all blood cell lineages (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets).

Natural (Innate) Immunity

The body's first line of defense that acts immediately upon exposure to foreign invaders without requiring prior antigen exposure, utilizing physical barriers, chemical barriers, and non-specific cellular defenses.

Lymphocyte Self-Tolerance

The ability of T and B cells to recognize foreign non-self antigens through specific surface receptors while ignoring the body's autologous self tissue markers.

Cytotoxic T Cells ($\text{CD8}^+$)

T lymphocytes that directly destroy foreign, viral-infected, or mutated cells by binding target antigens, releasing membrane-disrupting proteins (perforins and granzymes), and inducing cell lysis.

Lymphokines

Cytokines produced by lymphocytes (such as T cells) that signal and recruit other immune cells, including neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages, to participate in phagocytosis and inflammation.

Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency (LAD)

A primary immunodeficiency caused by defects in cell adhesion molecules preventing phagocytes from adhering to blood vessel walls and migrating to infection sites, manifesting as recurrent bacterial infections, lack of pus, delayed umbilical cord separation, and poor wound healing.

Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD)

An immunodeficiency where phagocytes can migrate but cannot produce reactive oxygen species (respiratory burst) to destroy catalase-positive organisms.

Abacavir

An antiretroviral drug where fever and rash indicate a severe, potentially fatal hypersensitivity reaction, requiring immediate reporting to the provider and permanent discontinuation.

Didanosine (ddI)

An antiretroviral medication that must be taken on an empty stomach ($30\,\text{minutes}$ before or $2\,\text{hours}$ after meals) because food and stomach acid significantly reduce its absorption.

Octreotide Acetate

A synthetic somatostatin analog used to manage chronic, refractory diarrhea in patients with HIV/AIDS when standard antidiarrheal agents fail.

Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID)

A pediatric primary immunodeficiency involving absence or dysfunction of both T and B lymphocytes, representing a medical emergency in infants that requires protective isolation and immediate stem cell transplantation.

Ataxia-Telangiectasia

A primary immunodeficiency characterized by telangiectasias (prominent, permanent vascular lesions on the sclera, face, and ears) and ataxia (progressive neurodegeneration leading to uncoordinated muscle movements).

Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome

A primary immunodeficiency disorder defined by a classic triad of eczema, thrombocytopenia (bleeding risk), and recurrent infections.

CMV Retinitis

An opportunistic infection caused by Cytomegalovirus in severely immunocompromised HIV patients ($\text{CD4} < 50/\mu\text{L}$), presenting a high risk for retinal necrosis and blindness.

Kaposi Sarcoma (KS)

An AIDS-defining opportunistic condition causing vascular lesions; definitive diagnosis requires a tissue biopsy showing characteristic vascular endothelial spindle cells.

Immunoglobulin M (IgM)

The first antibody produced during acute exposure to an antigen; presence of isolated IgM indicates a very recent or acute exposure.

Immunoglobulin G (IgG)

The dominant antibody involved in secondary and long-term immunity following antigen exposure.

Alemtuzumab

A monoclonal antibody therapy targeting specific cellular antigens ($\text{CD52}$) on immune cells; priority nursing assessment includes pulmonary auscultation to monitor for bronchospasm, pneumonitis, and respiratory failure.

Cyclosporine

An immunosuppressive medication that suppresses T-cell activation post-transplant; oral liquid is mixed with orange juice or milk, avoiding grapefruit juice due to CYP3A4 inhibition causing toxicity, while inadequate levels lead to Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD).

Parenteral Iron Dextran

An intramuscular or intravenous iron replacement carrying a high risk of anaphylaxis.

RICE Protocol

An acute soft tissue injury management protocol consisting of Rest, Ice (cold therapy applied for $15\text{--}20\,\text{minutes}$), Compression, and Elevation.

Cold Therapy

A physical application causing vasoconstriction to reduce edema, swelling, inflammation, and pain during acute soft tissue injury (first $24\text{--}48\,\text{hours}$), contraindicated in ischemic limbs and impaired cold sensation.

Moist Heat

A thermal application causing vasodilation indicated for chronic stiffness and late-phase muscle spasms, contraindicated in acute inflammation or injury because it worsens swelling.

Celecoxib

A selective $\text{COX-2}$ inhibitor that spares $\text{COX-1}$ to reduce GI mucosal damage and bleeding risk, strictly contraindicated in clients with a known sulfonamide allergy.

Low-Dose Aspirin

An antiplatelet regimen ($81\,\text{mg/day}$) for secondary cardiovascular prevention that irreversibly inhibits $\text{COX-1}$ in platelets, preventing thromboxane $\text{A}_2$ synthesis and suppressing platelet aggregation for the platelet's $7\text{--}10\,\text{day}$ lifespan.

Acetaminophen Toxicity

Liver damage caused by the accumulation of the toxic metabolite $\text{NAPQI}$ during acetaminophen overdose, requiring emergency stabilization and administration of acetylcysteine to replenish hepatic glutathione.

Colchicine

An anti-gout medication used for acute gout flares that inhibits leukocyte infiltration and inflammation, requiring a high daily fluid intake of $2\text{--}3\,\text{L/day}$.

Allopurinol

An anti-gout medication indicated for chronic gout prevention and hyperuricemia management.

Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases (PIDDs)

Genetic or inherited immune disorders present at birth and mostly diagnosed in clients under $20\,\text{years}$ old, causing persistent, severe, or unusual infections.