12.6 (4.1.1) The specific immune system

define antibody

Y-shaped glycoproteins called immunoglobulins which bind to a specific antigen on the pathogen or toxin that has triggered the immune response

describe the structure of antibodies

made up of two identical long polypeptide chains called the heavy chains, and two shorter chains called the light chains

these are held together by disulphide bridges

disulphide bridges within the polypeptide chains hold them in shape

how do antibodies bind to antigens

lock-and-key

define variable reigon

a binding site of 110 amino acids found on both the heavy and light chains which have a different shape on each antibody and gives the antibody specificity

define the constant reigon

the binding site on an antibody that allows phagocytes to bind to the antibody. this is the same on every antibody.

describe how antibodies defend the body

1) antibody on antigen-antibody complex acts as an opsonin, complex is easily engulfed and digested by phagocytes

2) most pathogens can no longer effectively invade the host cells once they are part of an a-a complex

3) act as agglutinins causing pathogens carrying a-a complexes to cluster together which prevents them spreading through the body and makes it easier for phagocytes to engulf a number of pathogens simultaneously

define agglutination

when one antibody binds to two pathogens causing them to clump together, making it easier for pathogens to be engulfed by phagocytosis

define neutralisation

when antibodies act as antitoxins, binding with toxins produced by pathogens which makes them harmless

diagram of antibody

define lymphocytes

a type of white blood cell (leukocyte) found in blood and lymph nodes

function of lymphocytes

recognise antigen molecules on the surface of pathogens and coordinate the immune response against that pathogen

where are B lymphocytes formed

bone marrow

where are T lymphocytes formed

thymus

T helper cells

produce interleukins which stimulate B cell and antibody production and attracts other T cells and antibodies

define cytokine

cell-signalling molecule

T killer cells

kill pathogens by producing perforin which makes holes in pathogen’s plasma membranes making them freely permeable

T memory cells

immunological memory as they remain the the blood for long periods of time. when a second infection occurs they divide rapidly to form many T killer cells

T regulator cells

prevent an autoimmune response by repressing the immune system after all pathogens have been destroyed. ensures body recognises self antigens

plasma cells

produce specific antibodies to an invading antigen

B effector cells

divide to form plasma cell clones

B memory cells

remain in the blood for long periods of time providing immunological memory

steps of cell mediated immunity

1) macrophages engulf and digest pathogens in phagocytosis. they present the antigens on their surface becoming APCs

2) specific T helper cells with receptors that fit the antigens will bind to the antigen on the APC and become activated and produce interleukins which stimulate more T cells to be produced

3) cloned T cells may develop into T memory cells, produce interleukins that stimulate phagocytosis, produce interleukins that stimulate B cells to divide, produce clones of T killer cells

diagram of cell-mediated immunity

steps of humoral immunity

1) T helper cells bind to antigen on APC

2) APC releases interleukins to T helper cells (clonal selection)

3) T helper cell undergoes cell division + mitosis (clonal expansion)

4) activated T helper cell finds B cell with correct shaped receptor

5) T helper cell releases cytokines detected by B cell (cell signalling)

6) activated B cell undergoes clonal expansion

7) cloned B cells undergo differentiation

8) B effector cell becomes B memory cell or plasma cell

define autoimmune disease

immune system stops recognising ‘self‘ antigens and attacks healthy body tissue

type 1 diabetes

affects pancreas

insulin injections, pancreas transplants, immunosuppressants

rheumatoid arthritis

affects joints

no cure

anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, immunosuppressants, pain relief

lupus

affects skin and joins causing fatigue

can attack any organ

no cure

anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, immunosuppressants