T Cell Immunology

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology related to T cell immunology, focusing on T helper and cytotoxic T cells, their functions, and associated processes.

T helper cell

Also known as a CD4 cell, it responds to exogenous antigens presented on MHC II.

Antigen presenting cell (APC)

A cell that presents antigens to T cells, enabling them to recognize and respond to foreign substances.

MHC II

Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II, which presents exogenous antigens to CD4 T helper cells.

Costimulation

The additional signal required for T cell activation, often involving the release of interleukins.

IL-1

Interleukin-1, a cytokine released by antigen presenting cells to stimulate T helper cell activation.

IL-2

Interleukin-2, a cytokine produced by T cells that promotes the proliferation of T cells.

Endogenous antigen

Antigens that originate from within the cell, typically presented on MHC I to CD8 cytotoxic T cells.

Cytotoxic T cell

Also known as a CD8 cell, it responds to endogenous antigens presented on MHC I.

Perforin

A protein produced by cytotoxic T cells that creates pores in the membranes of target cells.

Granzyme

Enzymes released by cytotoxic T cells that enter target cells through perforin-created pores and trigger apoptosis.

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus, a virus that attacks CD4 T helper cells leading to a weakened immune response.

AIDS

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, the condition resulting from the progressive damage to the immune system caused by HIV.

Clonal expansion

The process by which activated T cells proliferate and differentiate into effector and memory cells.

What are the effects of histamine during an allergic reaction?

Histamine causes various effects including dilation of blood vessels, increased permeability of blood vessel walls, contraction of smooth muscles in the airways, and stimulation of gastric acid secretion.

What are the four processes of respiration?

The four processes of respiration are: 1) Pulmonary ventilation (breathing), 2) External respiration (gas exchange between the lungs and blood), 3) Transport of respiratory gases (movement within the blood), and 4) Internal respiration (gas exchange between blood and tissues).

What are the passageways for the movement of air?

The passageways for air movement include: 1) Nasal cavity, 2) Pharynx, 3) Larynx, 4) Trachea, 5) Bronchi, and 6) Bronchioles.

What are the three parts of the pharynx?

The three parts of the pharynx are: 1) Nasopharynx, 2) Oropharynx, and 3) Laryngopharynx.

What are the parts of the conducting zone?

The parts of the conducting zone include: 1) Nasal cavity, 2) Pharynx, 3) Larynx, 4) Trachea, 5) Bronchi, and 6) Bronchioles. These structures function to filter, warm, and humidify the air before it reaches the lungs.

What are the three parts of the pharynx?

The three parts of the pharynx are: 1) Nasopharynx, 2) Oropharynx, and 3) Laryngopharynx.

What is the nasopharynx?

The nasopharynx is the upper part of the pharynx located behind the nasal cavity, serving as a passageway for air and containing the adenoids (pharyngeal tonsils) that help fight infection.

What is the oropharynx?

The oropharynx is the middle part of the pharynx located behind the oral cavity, it is a passageway for both air and food and contains the palatine tonsils.

What is the laryngopharynx?

The laryngopharynx is the lower part of the pharynx that connects to the larynx and esophagus, serving as a passageway for air, food, and liquids.