Immune System

Innate immunity

Refers to all body defenses against any pathogen, is non specific. Includes barriers such as skin, mucus membranes and their secretions, and normal microbiota

Adaptive immunity

refers to defenses against specific microorganisms, such as antibodies, T cells and B cells

What do T cells and B cells do

They are lymphocytes that fight the pathogen and also retain memory of the specific pathogen

Describe B cells

Lymphocytes that mature in the bone marrow and make antibodies in response to antigens

Describe T cells

White blood cells that mature in the thymus and participate in the immune response

Define interferons

Proteins secreted by leukocytes when they are infected with viruses

What are the two general responses to specific antigens by the adaptive immune system and describe them

Cellular (cell-mediated) response- destroys the infected cells, driven by T cells

Humoral response- destroys pathogens found in body fluids using antibodies secreted by B cells, driven by B cells

Describe Helper T cells

Type of immune cell that senses an infection and activate other immune cells which are B cells and cytotoxic T cells. Helper T cells also produce cytokines to active cytotoxic T cells

Describe cytotoxic T cells

Destrous any ce;; that contains the pathogens antigen signature and foreign material.

What do B cells do?

Make antibodies and clone into memory cells which allows the body to remember a specific antigen

Define active immunity

Protection from a specific pathogen by getting sick and recovering on your own. Your body remembers the specific pathogen and makes antibodies towards it

Define passive immunity

Temporary immunity gained by a body that has acquired antibodies from an outside source. Ex: Another person or animal provides the antibodies, so your own body does not make them

Provide examples of autoimmune diseases

Type 1 diabetes

Rheumatoid arthritis- causes joint inflammation and pain

Multiple sclerosis- affects central nervous system, attacks the myelinated axons in the CNS