study guide 2

A collection of vocabulary flashcards focusing on key terms related to bacterial infections and immune responses.

Mucous Membranes

Portals of entry for bacterial pathogens, including respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tracts.

Phagocytosis

The process by which cells engulf and digest pathogens.

Opsonization

Coating of pathogens with antibodies or complement proteins to enhance recognition by phagocytes.

Neutrophils

Short-lived phagocytes that release enzymes to combat infections.

Th17 Cells

A subset of T cells that produce IL-17, aiding in neutrophilic responses to extracellular bacteria.

Th1 Cells

A subset of T cells that secrete IFN-γ to activate macrophages against intracellular bacteria.

Innate Immunity

The immediate, non-specific immune response characterized by recognition of pathogens, inflammation, and phagocytosis.

Adaptive Immunity

The immune response that allows the body to specifically target and remember pathogens through antibody production and cell-mediated responses.

Complement Activation

A part of the immune system that enhances the ability to clear pathogens, leading to lysis, opsonization, and inflammation.

Granuloma Formation

A defensive response walling off pathogens, often seen in tuberculosis infections.

IgM vs IgG

IgM is a pentamer effective in activating the classical complement pathway, while IgG requires two molecules to bind C1q.

Capsules

Protective structures that prevent phagocytosis, seen in some bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Leukocidins

Toxic substances produced by some bacteria that kill white blood cells.

C3b

A complement component involved in opsonization, enhancing phagocyte recognition of pathogens.

Pyroptosis

A form of programmed inflammatory cell death that occurs in response to intracellular infections.

Dendritic Cells

Immune cells that process and present antigens to T cells, crucial for initiating adaptive immunity.