Immunology Review: Lymphocytes and Immune Responses

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary related to immune responses and lymphocyte functions based on the provided lecture notes.

Natural Killer Cells

A type of lymphocyte that plays a role in the innate immune response by targeting and destroying infected or cancerous cells.

Fever

A temporary increase in body temperature, often due to illness, which helps the body fight off infections.

Inflammation

A biological response to harmful stimuli, characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain.

Cardinal Signs of Inflammation

The four main signs of inflammation: redness (erythema), swelling (edema), heat (calor), and pain (dolor).

Thymus

An organ where T lymphocytes mature and differentiate.

B Lymphocytes

A type of white blood cell that matures in the bone marrow and produces antibodies.

Antigen Presenting Cells (APCs)

Cells such as macrophages and dendritic cells that process and present antigens to T cells.

Clonal Selection

The process by which specific B cells are selected to proliferate and differentiate into plasma cells after encountering their specific antigen.

Humoral Immunity

The aspect of the immune response that involves B cells and the production of antibodies.

Class II MHC Proteins

Molecules found on APCs that present antigens to CD4 T cells.