Innate and Adaptive Immunity: Phagocytic Cells, Inflammation, and Immune Response

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary related to the innate and adaptive immune responses, phagocytosis, inflammation, and the functionality of immune cells.

Innate Immunity

The body's first line of defense against pathogens characterized by a rapid, non-specific response.

Phagocytic Cells

Cells that engulf and destroy microorganisms as part of the innate immune response.

Macrophages

Large phagocytic cells that act as first responders in tissues.

Neutrophils

Short-lived phagocytic cells that are recruited from the blood to fight at infection sites.

Dendritic Cells

Phagocytes that process pathogens for presentation to activate the adaptive immune system.

Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs)

Receptors used by phagocytic cells to recognize common traits shared by broad ranges of pathogens.

Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs)

Specific type of PRR that recognizes distinct molecular patterns associated with pathogens.

Phagocytosis

The process of engulfing and destroying foreign material by phagocytic cells.

Cytokines

Broad category of signaling molecules released by immune cells to alter the behavior of other cells.

Chemokines

A type of cytokine that directs the movement of immune cells (chemotaxis).

Vasodilation

The increase in the diameter of blood vessels, allowing more blood flow to an infected area.

Increased Permeability

Loosening of junctions between endothelial cells, allowing fluid and proteins to leak into tissues.

Opsonization

The process by which complement proteins tag pathogens for removal by phagocytic cells.

Diapedesis

The process by which immune cells move through the capillary walls into the tissues.

Hallmarks of Inflammation

Observable signs of inflammation include heat, redness, swelling, and pain.

Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs)

Sticky, net-like structures released by neutrophils that trap and kill bacteria.

Adaptive Immunity

The immune response that is specific, diverse, and creates immunological memory.

Antigen Presentation

The display of processed pathogen pieces on the surface of cells, crucial for T cell activation.

Lymphatic System

A network of vessels and organs that plays a vital role in immune surveillance and fluid balance.

Primary Lymphoid Organs

Organs where lymphocytes develop and mature, including bone marrow and thymus.

Secondary Lymphoid Organs

Organs where mature lymphocytes encounter antigens and get activated.

B Cell Receptor (BCR)

A specialized receptor on B cells that recognizes and binds to specific antigens.

T Cell Receptor (TCR)

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

V(D)J Recombination

The genetic mechanism that generates diversity in antigen receptors.

Clonal Expansion

The rapid proliferation of activated lymphocytes, creating a population of identical cells.

Memory Cells

Long-lived lymphocytes that provide rapid and enhanced responses to previously encountered antigens.

Self-Tolerance

The ability of the immune system to distinguish between self and non-self molecules.

Anergy

A state in which a self-reactive lymphocyte becomes non-functional rather than being destroyed.

Primary Humoral Response

The initial immune response to antigen exposure, with a delayed antibody production.

Secondary Humoral Response

A faster, stronger immune response upon re-exposure to the same antigen.

Vaccination

A method to stimulate memory cell production without causing disease.

Antibodies

Proteins secreted by plasma cells that provide targeted and specific immune defense.

IgG

The most abundant antibody in plasma, capable of activating complement.

IgM

A pentameric antibody structure that can activate complement.

IgA

An antibody found in saliva, tears, and milk, providing mucosal protection.

IgE

An antibody involved in allergic responses, found on mast cell surfaces.

Humoral Immune Response

The aspect of immunity that relies on antibody production from B cells.

Neutralization

An antibody function that blocks pathogen entry into host cells.

Complement Activation

The triggering of a cascade of proteins leading to pathogen destruction.

Clonal Diversity

The generation of unique antigen receptors through random selection and recombination.

SSL7 Protein

A bacterial protein that disrupts antibody function and immune evasion.

Pathogen Evasion Strategies

Mechanisms by which pathogens circumvent the host's immune responses.

Antigenic Determinant

The specific small region on an antigen recognized by an antibody or receptor.

T Cell Activation

The process by which T cells are activated upon encountering presented antigens.

Polysaccharide Vaccines

Vaccines made from purified polysaccharides that stimulate the immune response.

Nucleic Acid Vaccines

Vaccines that use RNA or DNA to produce an immune response.

Attenuated Vaccines

Live pathogens with reduced ability to cause disease, promoting an immune response.

Killed Vaccines

Inactivated pathogens that cannot replicate but elicit an immune response.

Memory T Cells

Long-lived cells that rapidly respond to previously encountered antigens.

MHC Molecules

Proteins on cell surfaces that present antigens to T cells for recognition.

Hybridoma Technology

A method for producing monoclonal antibodies by fusing plasma cells with myeloma cells.

Monoclonal Antibodies

Antibodies from a single clone of cells, used in various therapeutic applications.

Cancer Immunology

The study of the immune system's role in preventing and responding to cancer.

Preventive Vaccination

The use of vaccines to prepare the immune system for future encounters with pathogens.