2019 Immunology Short Q's

What is meant by the term cell-mediated immunity?

Cell-mediated immunity refers to the immune response that involves the activation of T-cells, which directly attack infected or abnormal cells.

Give the difference between natural passive immunity and artificial passive immunity.

Natural passive immunity is acquired through the transfer of antibodies from mother to child, while artificial passive immunity involves the injection of antibodies from an external source.

What is an antigen? Give an example of a harmful antigen.

An antigen is a substance that triggers an immune response, usually by being recognized as foreign. An example of a harmful antigen is the protein on the surface of the influenza virus.

Name the different classes of antibody.

There are five main classes of antibodies: IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE, and IgD

What are commensal microbes?

Commensal microbes are microorganisms that inhabit a host without causing harm, often providing benefits such as aiding digestion and protecting against pathogenic organisms.

Explain the term innate immunity.

Innate immunity refers to the body's first line of defense against pathogens, involving immediate, nonspecific responses such as physical barriers, phagocytic cells, and inflammatory processes.

What is a naïve B cell?

A naïve B cell is an immature B lymphocyte that has not yet encountered its specific antigen.

What products are made when immunoglobulins are digested with papain?

produces two Fab fragments and one Fc fragment.

Which ELISA method allows antibody to be detected in a sample? Give an example of

the application of this method.

the sandwich ELISA, commonly used in diagnostic tests for detecting specific proteins or hormones in serum.

If a person has only A antigens on their red blood cells, what blood type is that person?What type of antibodies do they have in their blood?

contains A antigens and anti-B antibodies.

What is a leukocyte?

A type of white blood cell involved in the immune response, including lymphocytes and granulocytes.

What are mast cells? Where are they found?

type of immune cell that play a crucial role in allergic reactions and inflammation. They are primarily found in connective tissues and near blood vessels.

How can haemolytic disease of the newborn be prevented

by administering Rh immunoglobulin to Rh-negative mothers during and after pregnancy to prevent the development of antibodies against Rh-positive blood.

What are Toll-like receptors?

A type of PRR found on immune cells that recognize microbial products.

Define the term “valency”

The number of binding sites an antibody has for antigens; it indicates the strength of the antibody's ability to bind to multiple antigens simultaneously.