Checkpoint Questions Compiled

Edward Jenner

Developed the first live vaccine using cowpox to immunize against smallpox.

Antibodies

Soluble mediators that protect the body from infections; involved in passive immunity.

Passive immunity

Immunity that is acquired without an immune response through the transfer of antibodies.

Vaccination

The process of introducing a vaccine into the body to produce immunity against a disease.

B cells and T cells

Major cell types in the adaptive immune system; B cells are involved in humoral immunity, while T cells are involved in cell-mediated immunity.

Innate immunity

The body's first line of defense against pathogens, including physical and chemical barriers.

Lysozyme

An enzyme that destroys bacterial cell walls, particularly effective against gram-positive bacteria.

Beta defensins

Positively charged molecules that disrupt pathogen membranes to kill pathogens.

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs)

Stem cells that give rise to all blood cells, including lymphocyte and myeloid lineages.

Granulocytes

A category of white blood cells that contain granules; includes neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, and mast cells.

Agranulocytes

White blood cells without granules; includes B cells, T cells, and dendritic cells.

Inflammation

The response of body tissues to injury, characterized by redness, heat, swelling, and pain.

PRRs (Pattern Recognition Receptors)

Receptors that recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) to initiate immune responses.

Cytokines

Proteins secreted by immune cells that influence inflammation and immune responses.

Complement system

A group of proteins that work together to opsonize pathogens and promote inflammation.

MHC (Major Histocompatibility Complex)

Molecules on cell surfaces that present antigens to T cells.

Clonal expansion

The process by which activated lymphocytes proliferate to produce a large number of effector cells.

Memory T cells

Long-lived T cells that respond more rapidly upon re-exposure to an antigen.

Peripheral tolerance

The process by which the immune system prevents immune responses against self-antigens after initial activation.