BIOL122 WK2 Immunity

Immunity

The body's ability to resist infections and diseases.

Age

Neonates and elderly individuals are at increased risk of infections.

Genetics

Genetic predisposition can affect susceptibility and immune response.

Underlying Diseases

Chronic conditions can impair immunity and increase infection risk.

Nutrition

A balanced diet is essential for effective immune function.

Medications

Immunosuppressants can depress the immune system.

Stress

Chronic stress reduces immune cell activity and increases infection risk.

Vaccinations

Provide artificial exposure to pathogens to prepare the immune system.

Herd Immunity

Protects vulnerable populations when vaccination rates are high (>85%).

Antibodies

Proteins made by the immune system to identify and neutralize pathogens.

Immunization

The process of making a person immune or resistant to infectious diseases.

Memory Cells

Cells that remain in the body to provide a quicker response to re-exposure.

Primary Antibody Response

Initial immune response involving IgM and IgG production.

Secondary Antibody Response

Rapid IgG production upon re-exposure to the same antigen.

Effective Vaccines

Must protect against disease, induce immune memory, and be safe.

Vaccine Hazards

Potential adverse reactions must be weighed against vaccine benefits.

Whole Virus/Bacterium Vaccines

Include live attenuated or inactivated pathogens.

Live Attenuated Vaccines

Weakened pathogens that provide strong immunity but have safety concerns.

Inactivated Vaccines

Dead pathogens that are stable but may elicit a weaker immune response.

Subunit Vaccines

Use only parts of the pathogen to trigger an immune response.

Toxoid Vaccines

Target harmful toxins produced by pathogens.

mRNA Vaccines

Introduce genetic material to produce pathogen proteins without injecting the pathogen.