Adaptive Immunity

These flashcards cover key concepts related to adaptive immunity, including definitions and functionalities of immune cells and antibodies, their interactions, and the mechanisms of adaptive immune responses.

What are the two types of adaptive immunity?

Humoral adaptive immunity and cellular adaptive immunity.

What is the main function of antibodies?

Antibodies provide immunity by recognizing and binding to antigens.

What is an epitope?

An epitope is the specific section of an antigen that is recognized and bound by an antibody.

Which cell types develop into B cells and T cells?

B cells develop in the red bone marrow, while T cells develop in the thymus.

What triggers clonal selection in B cells?

Clonal selection is triggered by the binding of an antigen to a specific B cell receptor (antibody) on the B cell surface.

What are the classes of antibodies?

IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, and IgE.

What is the role of TH1 cells?

TH1 cells activate macrophages and B cells to produce antibodies, and they form memory T cells.

What happens during T cell activation?

T cells are activated when their T cell receptors recognize an antigen presented by MHC molecules on antigen-presenting cells.

What do plasma cells do?

Plasma cells produce antibodies against specific antigens.

How does neutralization work in antibody function?

Neutralization prevents pathogens from adhering to host tissues and blocks the attachment of toxins.

What is the difference between T-dependent and T-independent antigens?

T-dependent antigens require T cell help for B cell activation, while T-independent antigens stimulate B cells directly without T cell involvement.

What is the significance of memory cells?

Memory cells provide a faster and more effective immune response upon subsequent exposure to the same antigen.

What triggers the formation of the antibody-antigen complex?

The binding of an antibody to a specific antigen forms the antibody-antigen complex, which can lead to agglutination, opsonization, and neutralization.

What is the primary function of T regulatory cells?

T regulatory cells suppress immune responses to maintain tolerance and prevent autoimmunity.

How do cytotoxic T lymphocytes kill target cells?

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes kill target cells by releasing perforin and granzymes, which induce apoptosis.

What is the primary immune response?

The primary immune response is the immune response that occurs during the first exposure to an antigen.

What distinguishes a primary immune response from a secondary immune response?

The primary response occurs on the first exposure to the antigen, while the secondary response involves memory cells and is faster and stronger upon re-exposure.

What role do dendritic cells play in the immune response?

Dendritic cells act as antigen-presenting cells that engulf microbes and activate T cells.

How many heavy chains are present in the structure of IgM antibodies?

IgM antibodies contain five heavy chains in a pentameric structure.

What is opsonization and its purpose in immunity?

Opsonization is the coating of an antigen with antibodies to enhance phagocytosis.