Immunology: Antibody Formation and Key Cytokines

These flashcards summarize key concepts related to immunology, particularly focusing on interleukins, B-cells, T-cells, and the process of antibody formation.

What is the role of Interleukin-1 (IL-1) in the immune response?

IL-1 is a cytokine released by macrophages that helps activate T-helper cells.

What cytokine is produced by activated T-helper cells to stimulate B-cell and T-cell growth?

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is produced by activated T-helper cells for this purpose.

What is the B-cell Growth Factor?

A substance stimulated by IL-2 that promotes the multiplication of B-cells.

What is the function of B-cell Differentiation Factor?

It causes B-cells to mature into plasma cells that produce antibodies.

What are Memory Cells?

Long-lived B- or T-cells that remember an antigen for faster immune responses in the future.

What is the role of T-regulator (T-suppressor) Cells?

They stop or slow down antibody production once the infection is controlled.

What do T-helper Cells do in the immune response?

They recognize antigens on macrophages and release cytokines like IL-2 to activate B-cells and other T-cells.

Describe the process of antibody formation in macrophage processing.

The macrophage engulfs the antigen, breaks it down, and displays the fragments on its surface.

How does T-cell activation occur during antibody formation?

A T-helper cell binds to the macrophage displaying the antigen, and IL-1 is released to activate the T-helper cell.

What happens during B-cell activation?

The B-cell binds to the same antigen, interacts with the T-helper cell, and receives B-cell Growth Factor and B-cell Differentiation Factor.

What are the end products of B-cell division?

The B-cell divides into plasma cells, which make antibodies, and memory cells for long-term immunity.

Which T-cell type is responsible for stopping antibody production?

T-regulator (T-suppressor) cells.

What are the four parts of antibody production?

1. Antigen recognition (macrophage processing and T-cell activation), 2. B-cell activation, 3. B-cell differentiation, 4. Antibody secretion.

How do macrophages process antigens?

They engulf the antigen via phagocytosis, break it down, and display fragments on their surface with MHC molecules.

What triggers the immune response after macrophage processing?

The presentation of antigen fragments on macrophage surfaces activates T-helper cells.