Immune System Disorders and HIV/AIDS

These flashcards cover key concepts related to immune system disorders, HIV/AIDS, and the body's responses to allergens.

Tissue typing

A process to assess the similarity between the MHC class I and Class II proteins of donor and recipient during transplantation.

Rejection

The immune response that attacks cells of a transplanted graft or organ when T cells are activated by non-self MHC proteins.

Immunodeficiency

A disorder characterized by insufficient immune system activity, often due to embryologic development issues or infections.

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus, a retrovirus that infects helper T cells and requires reverse transcriptase to replicate.

AIDS

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, a late stage of HIV infection where the immune system is severely weakened.

Allergies

Inappropriate immune responses to allergens, leading to symptoms caused by histamine release from mast cells.

Histamine

A chemical released by mast cells during an allergic reaction that causes inflammation and other allergic symptoms.

Anaphylaxis

A severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs when allergens are introduced to the body.

Glucocorticoids

Hormones released during stress that reduce immune response by decreasing lymphocyte activity and depressing inflammation.

Natural killer cells

A type of lymphocyte that reduces activity with age, contributing to a diminished immune response.