MICROPARA (16): Specific Host Defense Mechanisms: An Introduction to Immunology

Immunology

is the scientific study of

the immune system and immune responses.

immune system

it is the system that considered to

be the third line of defense.

Antigens

are molecules that

stimulate the immune

system to produce

antibodies.

Antibodies

are proteins produced by the immune system in

response to antigens.

Humoral Immunity

involves the production of antibodies

cell-mediated immunity

involves many different cell types: macrophages, T helper cells, cytotoxic T cells, delayed hypersensitivity, T cells, natural killer cells, killer cells, and granulocytes

Immunity

refers to the body's ability to

defend itself against harmful pathogens,

such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and

parasites, as well as against abnormal

cells, such as cancer cells.

immune system

is a complex

network of cells, tissues, and organs

that work together to recognize and

eliminate foreign invaders while

maintaining tolerance to the body's own

cells and tissues.

Innate Immunity

This is the body's first

line of defense

against pathogens

and is present from

birth. it provides immediate,

nonspecific

protection against a

wide range of

pathogens.

Adaptive Immunity

Also known as

acquired immunity,

it develops throughout

life as a result of

exposure to pathogens

or through vaccination.

it is characterized by

specificity and memor

Acquired Immunity

immunity that results from the active production or receipt of antibodies during one's lifetime

Active acquired immunity

antibodies are produced within the person, usually provides long lasting protection

Passive acquired immunity

antibodies are received that were produced by another person or persons or by an animal, usually provides only temporary protection

Natural active acquired immunity

Artificial active acquired immunity

Two types of actively acquired immunity

Artificial active acquired immunity

Immunity that is acquired in response to vaccines

Vaccine

defined as material that can artificially induce immunity to an infectious disease, usually following injection or ingestion of the vaccine

made from living or dead pathogens of the toxins they produce

Autoimmune Disease

results when a person's immune system no longer recognize certain body tissues as "self" and attempts to destroy those tissues as if they were "non-self" or foreign

Graves' disease

Common cause of hyperthyroidism, an over-production of thyroid hormone, which causes enlargement of the thyroid gland

immunosuppressed

person whose immune system are not functioning properly

Acquired immunodeficiencies

develop during an individual's life due to drugs, irradiation, cancers, and infections

inherited immunodeficiencies

can be the result of deficiencies in antibody production, complement activity, phagocytic function, or NK cell function

Agammaglobulinemia

The loss of the ability to produce antibodies

hypogammaglobulinemia

Low levels of immunoglobulins in the blood.