Infectious Process Study Sheet

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards summarizing key concepts related to the infectious process and immune responses.

Natural Killer Cells (NKC)

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

Interferons (INF)

Cytokines secreted by immune cells that help protect against viral infections by activating immune defenses and inhibiting viral replication.

Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs)

Molecular structures that are associated with groups of pathogens, recognized by the immune system to initiate a response.

Antigen presenting cells (APCs)

Cells that display antigens on their surface to T-cells, facilitating the adaptive immune response.

Membrane Attack Complex (MAC)

A structure formed by the complement system that creates pores in the membranes of target cells, leading to their lysis.

Phagocytosis

The process by which certain immune cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages, engulf and digest pathogens or cellular debris.

Cytokines

Signaling proteins released by cells that affect the behavior of other cells in the immune response.

Humoral Immunity

A component of the immune response that involves B cells and the production of antibodies to neutralize pathogens.

Active Immunity

Immunity that results from the production of antibodies by the immune system in response to the presence of an antigen.

Vaccine Efficacy

A measure of the ability of a vaccine to reduce transmission of a disease within a population.

Superantigens

A class of antigens that cause non-specific activation of T-cells, leading to an exaggerated immune response.

Adaptive Immunity

The part of the immune system that adapts its response to specific pathogens, involving memory cells for faster responses to future infections.

Classes of Antibodies

Different forms of antibodies, including IgM, IgA, IgD, IgE, and IgG, each with distinct roles in the immune response.

Clonal Selection

The process by which specific B cells are activated and proliferate in response to their specific antigen.

MHC (Major Histocompatibility Complex)

A set of molecules displayed on cell surfaces that present antigens to T cells, playing a key role in immune recognition.

Antigen Presenting

The process by which APCs process and display antigens to T cells, triggering an adaptive immune response.

Fever

An abnormal increase in body temperature, often triggered by the immune response to infection.

Vaccination

The administration of a vaccine to stimulate an immune response against specific pathogens.