Lymphocyte Activation and B/T Cell Function

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the activation of lymphocytes, the types of B and T cells, and their roles in the immune response.

Thymus-independent antigens (TI antigens)

Antigens that can activate B cells without the assistance from CD4 T cells.

Thymus-dependent antigens (TD antigens)

Antigens that require T-cell help to activate B cells and generate high-affinity antibodies.

Follicular B-cells (B2 cells)

B cells that express highly specific monoreactive BCRs and require T-cells for antibody generation.

B-1 B-cells

Long-lived B cells that produce natural polyreactive IgM antibodies with autoreactive repertoire.

Marginal-zone (MZ) B cells

B cells that are rapidly recruited into early adaptive responses in a T-independent manner.

Cytokines

Signaling molecules that can have multiple biological effects and exhibit pleiotropic effects.

Effector CD4 T cells

Activated T cells that no longer require co-stimulation and can respond quickly to antigens.

CD8 T cells

Cytotoxic T cells that recognize specific antigens and can kill infected target cells.

Lytic granules

Granules in cytotoxic T cells that contain enzymes used to induce apoptosis in target cells.

Costimulation

A necessary second signal required for the activation of naive T cells, which is relaxed once they have differentiated into effector cells.

PAMPs

Pathogen-associated molecular patterns recognized by innate immune cells to initiate immune responses.

APCs

Antigen-presenting cells that present antigens to T cells to facilitate activation.