Hypersensitivities and Immunotherapy

A series of flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to hypersensitivity and immunotherapy for exam preparation.

Hypersensitivity

An antigenic response that results in undesirable effects due to the immune system overreacting or reacting inappropriately to an antigen.

Types of Hypersensitivity

Four types: Immediate (Type I), Cytotoxic (Type II), Immune Complex (Type III), and Delayed (Type IV).

Immediate Type I

A type of hypersensitivity where IgE antibodies bind to mast cells and basophils, leading to degranulation upon re-exposure to the antigen.

Sensitized

When the immune system has previously encountered an antigen.

Degranulation

The release of substances like histamine from mast cells and basophils after antigen exposure.

Histamine

A substance released during Type I hypersensitivity that increases the permeability of blood capillaries.

Leukotrienes

Mediators released during Type I hypersensitivity that cause prolonged smooth muscle contraction.

Prostaglandins

Compounds released during Type I hypersensitivity that increase mucus secretion.

Cytotoxic Type II

Hypersensitivity caused by the activation of complement by IgG or IgM antibodies binding to an antigenic cell.

Complement Activation

A process where antibodies activate proteins that enhance inflammation and target pathogens.

ABO Blood Group System

A classification system based on the presence of A, B, or no antigens on red blood cells.

Type O Blood

Blood type that lacks A and B antigens.

Rh Blood Group

A blood group system that can cause hemolytic disease of the newborn due to Rh incompatibility between mother and fetus.

Hemolytic Disease of Newborn

Condition resulting from an Rh- mother producing anti-Rh antibodies affecting an Rh+ fetus.

Immune Complex Type III

Hypersensitivity where antibodies react with soluble antigens, forming complexes that activate complement and cause inflammation.

Delayed (Cell-mediated) Type IV

A hypersensitivity reaction mediated by T-cells, causing delayed immune responses.

T-cells

A type of lymphocyte involved in cell-mediated immunity.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

A delayed hypersensitivity reaction resulting from haptens binding to skin proteins.

Haptens

Small molecules that can elicit an immune response when attached to larger proteins.

Memory Cells

T-cells that remember past antigens and can quickly mount a response upon re-exposure.

Immunotherapy

A cancer treatment that enhances the immune system's ability to fight cancer.

Tumor-associated Antigens

Markers expressed by cancer cells that identify them as nonself to the immune system.

Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes (CTLs)

T-cells that specifically target and kill cancer cells.

Natural Killer (NK) Cells

Immune cells that can destroy tumor or virus-infected cells without prior sensitization.

Limitations of Immune Surveillance

Tumors can evade detection by the immune system, becoming invisible or lacking targetable antigens.

Endotoxins

Bacterial products that can stimulate immune responses, such as TNF-a, to interfere with tumor blood supply.

Monoclonal Antibodies

Antibodies that are identical and produced by a single clone of immune cells, used in targeted cancer therapies.

Immunotoxin

A targeted therapy combining monoclonal antibodies with a toxin to selectively kill tumor cells.

Tumor Bulk Reduction

The process of reducing the mass of a tumor to enhance patient outcomes.

Antigenic Epitopes

Specific parts of an antigen that are recognized by the immune system's antibodies or T-cell receptors.

TNF-alpha

A cytokine involved in systemic inflammation, which can affect tumor blood supply.

Cancer Cells

Cells that exhibit uncontrolled growth and can evade normal immune defenses.

Antigens

Substances that can induce an immune response, often by being recognized as foreign.

Phagocytized Antigens

Antigens that have been engulfed and processed by immune cells such as macrophages.

Cytokines

Signaling proteins released by cells that mediate and regulate immunity, inflammation, and hematopoiesis.

Skin Test for Tuberculosis

A method used to identify exposure to the tuberculosis bacteria through immune response.

Routine Immunization

The administration of vaccines to provide immunity against various infectious diseases.

Immune Surveillance

The monitoring of the body for signs of cancerous cells by the immune system.

Active Immunity

Immunity developed through the exposure to an antigen, resulting in the production of antibodies.

Passive Immunity

Immunity acquired through the transfer of antibodies from another individual, not produced by the recipient's immune system.

Vaccination

The process of stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight pathogens through exposure to a modified form of the antigen.

Autoimmunity

A condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells.

Anaphylaxis

A severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs rapidly after exposure to an allergen.

Desensitization Therapy

A treatment approach aimed at reducing allergic reactions by gradually exposing the individual to increasing amounts of the allergen.

Skin Allergies

Allergic reactions that occur in the skin, often due to contact with allergens such as latex or poison ivy.

IgE Antibodies

Immunoglobulins that play a key role in allergy and asthma by binding to allergens and triggering histamine release.

Mast Cells

Cells that play a critical role in allergic reactions and inflammatory responses by releasing histamine.

Basophils

A type of white blood cell that is involved in allergic responses and the release of histamine.

Antibody Production

The process by which B-cells create antibodies in response to antigens.

Memory Response

The faster and stronger immune response generated by memory cells upon re-exposure to an antigen.

Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG)

A blood product used to treat various immune deficiencies and autoimmune diseases, providing passive immunity.

Serum Sickness

An immune complex-mediated reaction that occurs after exposure to foreign proteins, leading to symptoms like rash and fever.

Apoptosis

The process of programmed cell death that can be triggered by immune responses against cancer cells.

T-cell Receptors (TCR)

Molecules on T-cells that recognize specific antigens presented by other cells.

HLA Antigens

Human leukocyte antigens that play a crucial role in the recognition of self versus non-self by the immune system.

Biologic Response Modifiers

Agents that enhance or suppress the immune system's response to disease.

Chemotherapy

A type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Tumor Microenvironment

The surrounding environment of a tumor, including immune cells, fibroblasts, blood vessels, and signaling molecules.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

A type of cancer therapy that unlocks the immune system's ability to attack cancer cells.

Antimetabolites

A class of chemotherapy drugs that mimic natural substances, disrupting cellular metabolism and division.

Growth Factors

Proteins that stimulate cellular growth, proliferation, and differentiation.

Cytokine Storm

An excessive immune response that can result in significant tissue damage and systemic inflammation.

Protocols for Cancer Treatment

Standardized plans of care based on the type and stage of cancer, encompassing surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy.

Experimental Treatments

Innovative therapies undergoing clinical trials, often with the potential for significant breakthroughs in efficacy.

Oncogenes

Genes that have the potential to cause cancer when mutated or expressed at high levels.

Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes that function to inhibit cell division and prevent tumor formation.

Oncogenesis

The process of tumor formation, often linked to genetic mutations and environmental factors.

Macrophages

Large immune cells that engulf and digest cellular debris, pathogens, and cancer cells.

Dendritic Cells

Antigen-presenting cells that capture and present antigens to T-cells, linking innate and adaptive immunity.

Pathogen Recognition Receptors (PRRs)

Proteins on immune cells that recognize pathogens and initiate inflammatory responses.

Vaccination Strategies

Approaches to immunization that enhance protection against specific infectious diseases.

Immunoediting

The process by which the immune system selects tumor variants that can evade immune detection.

Epitope Mapping

The process of identifying the specific parts of an antigen that are recognized by the immune system.

Checkpoint Proteins

Proteins that regulate the immune response, playing a role in preventing autoimmunity and limiting responses against tumors.

Salivary Antibodies

Antibodies found in saliva, important in mucosal immunity.

Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs)

Blood cells that are a crucial source of immune cells for research and clinical applications.

Lymphatic System

The network of vessels and nodes that play an important role in immune function and fluid balance.

Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell Therapy

A form of immunotherapy that modifies patient's T-cells to better recognize and attack cancer cells.

Clonal Expansion

The rapid increase in the number of immune cells that respond to a specific antigen.

T Regulatory Cells

T-cells that modulate the immune response, maintaining tolerance to self-antigens and preventing autoimmunity.

Antibodies (Immunoglobulins)

Proteins produced by B-cells that specifically target and bind to antigens.

Immunotherapy Side Effects

Adverse effects resulting from immune system activation, such as inflammation and autoimmune issues.

Biomarkers

Biological molecules used to identify and monitor disease progression and response to treatment.

Transplant Rejection

The immune response against transplanted tissue perceived as foreign, requiring immunosuppressive therapy.

Cytotoxicity Assays

Laboratory tests that determine the effectiveness of immune responses against target cells.

Cell Cycle Regulation

Mechanisms that control the progression of cells through the cycle of growth and division.

Diagnostics in Immunology

Tests and evaluations used to identify immune disorders and pathogen exposure.

Antigen Presentation

The process by which immune cells display foreign antigens to T-cells for recognition.

Tumor Markers

Substances produced by cancer cells that can be used to help diagnose specific types of cancer.