Immunology Exam Review

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts from the immunology lecture focused on both the innate and adaptive immune responses, including definitions related to immune functions, types of immunity, and laboratory techniques used in immunological testing.

Innate Immune Response

The body's first line of defense against pathogens, including physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes, and processes like phagocytosis.

Phagocytosis

The process by which certain cells, such as macrophages, engulf and destroy invading pathogens.

Interferon Response

A mechanism in the innate immune system involving cytokines that protect neighboring cells from viral infections.

Cytokines

Proteins that regulate immune responses and mediate communication between cells in the immune system.

Macrophages

A type of white blood cell that engulfs and digests cellular debris and pathogens.

Adaptive Immune Response

The immune response that adapts to specific pathogens through the activation of lymphocytes (B cells and T cells).

Antibodies

Proteins produced by B cells that specifically recognize and bind to antigens to neutralize pathogens.

Natural Immunity

Immunity acquired through exposure to pathogens, leading to an immune response.

Active Immunity

Immunity resulting from exposure to antigens and the production of antibodies.

Passive Immunity

Immunity acquired by receiving antibodies from another source, such as maternal antibodies through breast milk.

Antigen

A substance that induces an immune response, triggering the production of antibodies.

MHC II

Major Histocompatibility Complex class II molecules present exogenous antigens to T helper cells.

Opsonization

A process by which pathogens are marked for destruction by immune cells through the binding of antibodies.

Neutralization

The blocking of pathogen receptor sites by antibodies to prevent infections.

ELISA

A laboratory technique used to detect the presence of antibodies or antigens in a sample.

Western Blotting

A method used to detect specific proteins in a sample through gel electrophoresis followed by antibody binding.

Granulocytes

A category of white blood cells that include eosinophils, basophils, and neutrophils, known for their role in the innate immune response.

Tolerance

The ability of the immune system to recognize 'self' cells and distinguish them from 'dangerous' pathogens.

Vaccines

Biological preparations that provide acquired immunity to a particular infectious disease.

Attenuated Vaccines

Vaccines containing live organisms that have been weakened to not cause disease but still elicit an immune response.

Inactivated Vaccine

Vaccines made from viruses or bacteria that have been killed or inactivated and cannot cause disease.