Study guide

What is the role of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) in the immune system?

They help the immune system distinguish between self (healthy cells) and non-self (pathogens).

What are the two main types of immunity?

Innate immunity (nonspecific, rapid response) and adaptive immunity (specific, slower response).

What constitutes the first-line defense in innate immunity?

Physical barriers (e.g., skin), chemical barriers (e.g., stomach acid), and cellular components (e.g., phagocytes).

What is inflammation and why is it important?

A response to injury or infection that involves redness, heat, swelling, and pain, aimed at eliminating pathogens.

What is the function of B cells in adaptive immunity?

They produce antibodies that neutralize pathogens or mark them for destruction.

How do Helper T cells assist in the immune response?

They activate B cells and cytotoxic T cells.

What are antigen-presenting cells (APCs)?

Cells like dendritic cells, macrophages, and B cells that present antigens to T cells.

What do MHC Class I and Class II molecules do?

Class I presents to cytotoxic T cells for intracellular pathogens; Class II presents to helper T cells for extracellular pathogens.

What are the different classes of antibodies and their functions?

IgG (most abundant), IgA (mucosal immunity), IgM (early response), IgE (allergic reactions), IgD (B cell activation).

What is the purpose of regulatory T cells (Tregs)?

They suppress immune responses to prevent overreactions.

What is autoimmune disease?

When the immune system mistakenly targets the body's own cells.

What are some common examples of autoimmune diseases?

Lupus, multiple sclerosis (MS), and rheumatoid arthritis.

What mechanisms do pathogens use for immune evasion?

Antigen variation, mutating rapidly, inhibiting antigen presentation, and latency.

What is an example of a genetic immunodeficiency disease?

Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID).

What role does CRISPR play in applied immunology?

It can be used to edit genes involved in immune responses, like engineering immune cells.

How do vaccines stimulate the immune system?

By presenting antigens from weakened or killed pathogens to create immunity.

What is the function of monoclonal antibodies?

They are laboratory-made antibodies designed to target specific antigens.

What does ELISA detect?

Specific proteins, antibodies, or antigens in a sample.

Describe the difference between direct and indirect ELISA.

Direct ELISA detects antigens using a labeled antibody; indirect ELISA detects antibodies against a specific antigen.

What are the applications of ELISA in medicine?

Detecting infections, pregnancy, and autoimmune conditions.