Chapter 21 - Part 2 (lecture slides)

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts from the immune system including terms, definitions, mechanisms, and processes.

Immune System

The body's defense system against infectious organisms and other invaders.

Innate Immune Response

The immediate, nonspecific response of the immune system to any pathogen.

Adaptive Immune Response

A specific immune response that develops over time and provides lasting protection.

Pathogen

An organism that causes disease.

T Lymphocytes

A type of white blood cell involved in cell-mediated immunity.

B Lymphocytes

A type of white blood cell that produces antibodies.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by B cells that specifically bind to antigens.

Vaccine

A substance that stimulates an immune response without causing disease.

Phagocytosis

The process by which a cell engulfs particles or pathogens.

Complement System

A group of proteins that promote the destruction of pathogens.

Natural Killer Cells

White blood cells that can kill tumor cells and virus-infected cells.

Inflammation

A physiological response characterized by redness, heat, swelling, and pain.

Fever

An increase in body temperature in response to infection.

MHC (Major Histocompatibility Complex)

Molecules on cell surfaces that help the immune system recognize foreign substances.

Autoimmune Disease

A condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues.

Epitope

The specific part of an antigen that is recognized by antibodies.

Hapten

A small molecule that induces an immune response only when attached to a larger carrier.

Cytokines

Proteins that are important in cell signaling in immune responses.

Chemotaxis

The movement of cells towards a chemical signal.

Phagocytes

Cells that engulf and digest pathogens and debris.

Immunoglobulins (Igs)

Another term for antibodies.

BCR (B-cell receptor)

The membrane-bound form of an antibody on B cells.

TCR (T-cell receptor)

A molecule on T cells that recognizes antigens presented by MHC molecules.

Clonal Selection

The process by which specific lymphocytes are activated to proliferate and differentiate.

Memory Cells

Long-lived cells that remember previous infections and respond more rapidly upon re-exposure.

Antigen-presenting Cells (APCs)

Cells that process and present antigens to T cells.

Positive Selection (T cells)

The process by which T cells that can recognize self-MHC survive.

Negative Selection (T cells)

The process by which T cells that react strongly to self-antigens are eliminated.

Cell-mediated Immunity

Immune response involving T cells that destroy infected cells.

Humoral Immunity

Immune response involving B cells and antibodies.

Primary Immune Response

The immune response generated upon first exposure to an antigen.

Secondary Immune Response

The more rapid and robust immune response upon subsequent exposure to the same antigen.

Macrophages

Large phagocytic cells important for immune defense.

Neutrophils

The most abundant type of phagocyte, crucial for responding to infection.

Eosinophils

White blood cells that play a role in combating parasites and allergic reactions.

Basophils/Mast Cells

Cells that release histamines and other chemicals during allergic reactions.

Cytotoxic T Cells (CD8)

T cells that directly kill infected or cancerous cells.

Helper T Cells (CD4)

T cells that help activate B cells and other immune cells.

Iron-binding Proteins

Proteins that inhibit the growth of bacteria by sequestering iron.

Interferons

Cytokines produced in response to viral infections that help to inhibit viral replication.

Transfusion Reaction

An immune response in reaction to incompatible blood transfusion.

Hypersensitivity

An exaggerated immune response to an antigen.

Type I Hypersensitivity

Immediate allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis).

Type II Hypersensitivity

Cytotoxic reactions involving IgG/IgM against cellular antigens.

Type III Hypersensitivity

Immune complex-mediated reactions.

Type IV Hypersensitivity

Delayed-type hypersensitivity mediated by T cells.

Autoantigens

Self molecules that provoke an autoimmune response.

Tissue Transplantation

The transfer of cells or tissues from one individual to another.

Diagnostic Test for Immunity

Tests that measure the immune response to an antigen.

Infectious Disease

A disease caused by an invading pathogen.

Antigenic Drift

Small mutations in viral antigens that can lead to challenges in immunity.

Antigenic Shift

A major change in viral antigens which may result in pandemics.

Cytotoxicity

The capacity of certain T cells to kill target cells.

Immunization

The process of inducing immunity through vaccination.

Lymphocytes

A type of white blood cell essential for adaptive immunity.

Tissue Compatibility

The degree to which donor and recipient tissues match in transplantation.

Chronic Inflammation

Prolonged inflammatory response that can damage tissues.

Tumor Antigens

Substances produced by tumor cells that can provoke an immune response.

Vaccination

The administration of a vaccine to stimulate an immune response.

Serum Therapy

Transfer of antibodies or serum from one individual for therapeutic purposes.

Pathogen Recognition

The ability of the immune system to identify and respond to pathogens.

Immunosenescence

The gradual deterioration of the immune system associated with aging.

Bacterial Pathogen

Disease-causing bacteria that trigger an immune response.

Viral Pathogen

Virus that can infect host cells and provoke an immune response.

Fungal Pathogen

Fungi that can cause infections and elicit an immune response.

Parasitic Pathogen

Parasites that invade the host and stimulate immune reactions.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment.

Tissue Damage

Harm to body tissues often resulting from infection or immune responses.

Clinical Immunology

The study and treatment of immune-related diseases.

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus that attacks the immune system.

IgG (Immunoglobulin G)

The most abundant antibody in serum, crucial for long-term immunity and capable of crossing the placenta.

IgA (Immunoglobulin A)

Found in mucosal areas, such as the gut and respiratory tract, and in secretions like saliva and breast milk, important for mucosal immunity.

IgM (Immunoglobulin M)

The first antibody produced in response to an infection, primarily found in the blood and lymphatic fluid.

IgE (Immunoglobulin E)

Involved in allergic reactions and response to parasitic infections, binds to allergens and triggers histamine release.

IgD (Immunoglobulin D)

Though its function is less understood, it is present on the surface of B cells and may play a role in initiating B cell activation.

MHC Class I

Molecules found on all nucleated cells that present endogenous antigens to CD8+ cytotoxic T cells.

MHC Class II

Molecules found mainly on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that present exogenous antigens to CD4+ helper T cells.