Comprehensive Immunology: Non-specific Responses, Vaccines, and Cell Functions

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts, terms, and definitions related to non-specific immune responses, vaccines, and cell functions in immunology.

Inflammation

A non-specific immune response characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain at the site of injury or infection.

Histamines

Substances produced by mast cells that cause blood vessels to dilate and leads to inflammation.

Sebaceous and sweat glands

Glands that produce oils and waxes to form a protective barrier on the skin and inhibit bacteria.

Mast cells

Cells that arrive at the site of wound or infection to initiate inflammation.

Pyrogens

Substances produced by white blood cells during infection that cause fever.

Fever

An increase in body temperature that enhances phagocyte activity and lowers available iron in blood to slow bacterial growth.

Lymphocytes

White blood cells produced by T cells that activate B cells and stimulate inflammation and complement reactions.

Antibodies

Proteins that bind to antigens, block pathogens from damaging cells, and mark pathogens for destruction by phagocytes.

B cells

Immune cells responsible for producing antibodies that specifically recognize antigens.

Perforin

A protein produced by natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T cells to destroy infected cells.

Complement

The cooperative functions between T cells and B cells for destroying infected tissues and producing antibody responses.

Immunosuppressant drugs

Medications given to patients to avoid transplant rejection by suppressing the immune response.

Vaccination

A process that introduces a weakened or altered pathogen to build immunity without serious illness.

Inactivated vaccine

A type of vaccine that contains pathogens that cannot infect or reproduce.

Live attenuated vaccine

A type of vaccine that contains weakened but living pathogens.

Memory B cells

Long-term immune cells that respond faster upon future infections.

Secondary immune response

The accelerated response of the immune system upon second exposure to a pathogen.

Histocompatibility markers

Molecular features that help the immune system recognize foreign tissues, leading to transplant rejection.

Bone marrow

The tissue where blood cells, including B cells, are produced.

Passive immunity

Temporary immunity gained through the transfer of antibodies against a specific pathogen.

Unique MHC

Major histocompatibility complex in humans that prevents viruses from specializing on a particular group of antigens.

Humoral response

The process by which antibodies attach to specific pathogen antigens to neutralize them.