Disorders of the Immune System I

Flashcards created to help review key concepts and vocabulary related to Disorders of the Immune System I.

Hypersensitivity

An exaggerated or inappropriate immune response that causes tissue injury.

Type I Hypersensitivity

Immediate allergic reaction mediated by IgE antibodies bound to mast cells.

IgE

A class of immunoglobulin associated with allergic reactions.

Anaphylaxis

A severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs rapidly.

Central Tolerance

The process by which self-reactive T and B cells are deleted during development.

Autoimmunity

A breakdown in tolerance resulting in the immune system attacking self-antigens.

Autoantibodies

Antibodies produced against one's own proteins or cells, which can lead to autoimmune diseases.

Th2 Cells

A subset of T helper cells that produce cytokines promoting IgE production and allergic responses.

Fc Receptors

Protein structures that bind to the Fc portion of antibodies, playing a key role in mediating immune responses.

Epi-Pen

A device used to deliver epinephrine for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis.

Cytotoxicity

The ability of certain substances, such as antibodies, to kill target cells.

Allergen

A substance that causes an allergic reaction.

Tolerance Mechanisms

Processes that prevent the immune system from attacking self-antigens.

Type II Hypersensitivity

A type of hypersensitivity reaction characterized by antibody-mediated destruction of target cells.

Complement System

A series of proteins that assist in the destruction of pathogens through various mechanisms.

Hypersensitivity

An exaggerated or inappropriate immune response that causes tissue injury.

Type I Hypersensitivity

Immediate allergic reaction mediated by IgE antibodies bound to mast cells.

IgE

A class of immunoglobulin associated with allergic reactions.

Anaphylaxis

A severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs rapidly.

Central Tolerance

The process by which self-reactive T and B cells are deleted during development.

Autoimmunity

A breakdown in tolerance resulting in the immune system attacking self-antigens.

Autoantibodies

Antibodies produced against one's own proteins or cells, which can lead to autoimmune diseases.

Th2 Cells

A subset of T helper cells that produce cytokines promoting IgE production and allergic responses.

Fc Receptors

Protein structures that bind to the Fc portion of antibodies, playing a key role in mediating immune responses.

Epi-Pen

A device used to deliver epinephrine for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis.

Cytotoxicity

The ability of certain substances, such as antibodies, to kill target cells.

Allergen

A substance that causes an allergic reaction.

Tolerance Mechanisms

Processes that prevent the immune system from attacking self-antigens.

Type II Hypersensitivity

A type of hypersensitivity reaction characterized by antibody-mediated destruction of target cells.

Complement System

A series of proteins that assist in the destruction of pathogens through various mechanisms.

Type III Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity reaction caused by the deposition of immune complexes in tissues, leading to inflammation and damage.

Immune Complexes

Formed when antibodies bind to soluble antigens, which can deposit in tissues and activate complement.

Type IV Hypersensitivity

Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) mediated by T cells rather than antibodies, typically appearing 24-72 hours after antigen exposure.

Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity (DTH)

A cell-mediated immune reaction (Type IV) characterized by a delayed inflammatory response due to activated T cells, as seen in contact dermatitis or the tuberculin test.

Peripheral Tolerance

Mechanisms that prevent self-reactive lymphocytes, which escaped central tolerance, from causing autoimmune disease in peripheral tissues. Includes anergy, deletion, and regulatory T cells.