Alterations in Immune Function

Flashcards about Alterations in Immune Function

Immune System

Defends the body against invasion or infection by antigens and destroys abnormal/damaged cells.

Autoimmune disorders

Occur when the immune system erroneously reacts with "self" tissues.

Autoimmunity

Immune system attacks its own tissues; failure of self-tolerance.

Hypersensitivity

Describes the mechanism of injury; may or may not involve autoimmunity.

Excessive Immune Responses

Increase in immune system activity.

Autoimmunity Theories

Theories include antigenic mimicry, sequestered antigens, abnormal production of subclasses of T lymphocytes, and development of abnormal B cells.

Genetic Factors of Autoimmunity

Female gender and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes.

Environmental Triggers of Autoimmunity

Chronic/multiple viral or bacterial infections, noninfectious environmental factors, environmental and occupational stress.

Pharmacotherapies for Autoimmunity

Corticosteroids, biological agents, immunomodulators, cytotoxins, purine analogs, therapeutic plasmapheresis, and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg).

Hypersensitivity

An immune response that is inappropriately triggered, excessive, and produces undesirable effects on the body; includes Types I, II, III, and IV.

Type I Hypersensitivity

IgE-mediated hypersensitivity causing localized and systemic anaphylaxis, seasonal allergies, food allergies, hives, and eczema.

Type II Hypersensitivity

IgG-mediated cytotoxic hypersensitivity where cells are destroyed by bound antibody; examples include transfusion reactions and erythroblastosis fetalis.

Type III Hypersensitivity

Immune complex-mediated hypersensitivity where antigen-antibody complexes are deposited in tissues, causing complement activation.

Type IV Hypersensitivity

Cell-mediated hypersensitivity involving T cells, causing contact dermatitis, tuberculin reaction, and autoimmune diseases.

Deficient Immune Responses

Functional decrease in one or more components of the immune system.

Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders

Congenital deficiencies predisposing to multiple deficiencies.

Secondary Immunodeficiency Disorders

Non-immune system disorders or treatments that secondarily affect immune function.

B- and T-Cell Combined Disorders

Severe combined immunodeficiency disorders and Wiskott–Aldrich Syndrome.

T-Cell Disorders

22q11.2 Deletion syndrome (DiGeorge syndrome) and chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis disease.

B-Cell Disorders

IgA Deficiency, X-Linked Agammaglobulinemia, transient hypogammaglobulinemia, and common variable immunodeficiency disease.

Secondary Immunodeficiency Cause

Problems in neuroendocrine and immune system interactions; excessive neuroendocrine response to stress increases susceptibility to infection.

Medications Affecting Immune Response

Cytotoxins, cancer pharmacotherapeutic drugs, anesthetics, alcohol, antibiotics, and steroids.

Tissue and blood typing priority

To prevent hyperacute graft rejection – typing/crossmatching is essential for transplants.

What are the types of WBC

Neutrophils, Monocytes(macrophages), Eosinophils, Basophils, Lymphocytes, Plasma Cells

What are the three levels of defense in the immune system?

Barriers ex, Skin and mucous

Innate Immunity- General defense by use of neutrophils and macrophages

Acquired Immunity- T and B cells target and destroy infectious cells