Immunity pt 2

A collection of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from the immunity lecture.

Adaptive Immunity

A specific immune response that adapts to fight against particular pathogens like viruses and bacteria.

Antigen

A large molecule, typically a protein, that is recognized by the immune system as foreign and elicits an immune response.

B Lymphocytes (B Cells)

Immune cells that originate in the bone marrow and mature there; they produce antibodies in response to antigens.

Plasma Cells

Activated B cells that produce and secrete large quantities of antibodies against an antigen.

Memory Cells

Long-lived immune cells that remember a specific pathogen, allowing for quicker responses during subsequent exposures.

Cytotoxic T Cells

A type of T cell that kills infected or cancerous cells by lysis.

Immunoglobulin

An antibody; a protein created by B cells that specifically binds to antigens.

Humoral Immunity

The aspect of immunity that involves B cells and the production of antibodies.

Cell Mediated Immunity

The aspect of immunity that involves T cells and does not rely on antibodies to protect against pathogens.

AIDS

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, a disease caused by HIV which attacks the immune system, specifically T cells.

Allergic Reaction

An overreaction of the immune system to a substance (antigen) recognized as harmful.

Vaccine

A preparation that provides active acquired immunity to a particular infectious disease.

Autoimmune Disease

A condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells as if they were foreign.

Antibody-Mediated Response

The response involving B lymphocytes that produce antibodies to neutralize pathogens.

Cytokines

Signaling proteins released by cells, especially T cells, that mediate immune responses.

Passive Immunity

Immunity acquired through the transfer of antibodies from another individual, such as maternal antibodies.

Innate Immunity

The body's first line of defense against pathogens that does not have memory; it reacts the same way to all pathogens.