Microbes vs Man: Host-Pathogen Interactions

These flashcards cover key concepts in immunology, pathogenesis, and disease control in relation to host-pathogen interactions.

Adaptive Immunity

A type of immunity that relies on the recognition and memory of pathogens.

COVID-19 immunotherapy

Treatment involving antibodies that block the entry of SARS-CoV-2 virus into host cells.

SARS-CoV-2

The virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Antibody

A protein made by B cells that binds to specific antigens to neutralize pathogens.

B cells

Type of lymphocyte that produces antibodies.

T Cells

Type of lymphocyte involved in cell-mediated immunity.

Humoral Immunity

Immunity mediated by antibodies produced by B cells.

Cell-Mediated Immunity

Type of immunity that involves T cells which kill infected host cells.

Antigen

A substance that triggers an immune response by being recognized by antibodies.

MHC Class I

Molecule that presents antigens to cytotoxic T cells.

MHC Class II

Molecule that presents antigens to helper T cells.

Super-antibodies

High-affinity antibodies that can neutralize variants of a virus.

Monoclonal Antibody

Antibodies produced by identical immune cells that are clones of a unique parent cell.

Active Immunity

Immunity gained through the exposure to the antigen.

Passive Immunity

Immunity acquired by receiving antibodies from another source.

Vaccination

Administration of a vaccine to induce an immune response.

Antibody Kinetics

The study of the timing and levels of antibody responses following exposure to an antigen.

IgG

Most abundant antibody in circulation; provides long-term protection.

IgM

The first antibody produced during an immune response.

IgA

Antibody found in mucosal areas and secretions.

IgE

Antibody associated with allergic reactions.

Antibody Binding

The mechanism by which antibodies attach to antigens.

Clonal Selection

The process by which specific lymphocyte clones are activated by an antigen.

Pathogen

Microorganism that can cause disease.

Dendritic Cell

Antigen-presenting cell that helps activate T cells.

Cytokines

Proteins that mediate and regulate immunity and inflammation.

Innate Immune Response

The body's immediate and non-specific defense mechanism against pathogens.

Adaptive Immune Response

Specific immune response that develops over time with memory for previously encountered pathogens.

Immunopathogenesis

Tissue damage caused by the immune response to infection.

Exotoxins

Toxins released by bacteria into the host tissues.

Endotoxins

Toxins that are part of Gram-negative bacterial cell walls.

Probiotics

Live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed.

Microbiome

The collection of all the microorganisms living in association with the human body.

Dysbiosis

An imbalance in the microbial community that can lead to disease.

Holobionts

The concept that humans and their microbiota evolve together.

Vertical Transmission

Transmission of a pathogen from parent to offspring.

Horizontal Transmission

Transmission of pathogens between individuals of the same generation.

Vector

An organism that transmits disease-causing pathogens.

Virulence Factors

Molecules produced by pathogens to enhance their ability to cause disease.

Infection Cycle

The sequence of events in which pathogens enter, replicate, and exit a host.

Transmission Routes

Ways by which diseases are spread from one host to another.

Portals of Entry

Routes through which pathogens enter the host body.

Reservoir

Natural habitat of a pathogen.

Lethal Dose 50 (LD50)

The dose of a pathogen that will kill 50% of a test group.

Infectious Dose 50 (ID50)

The number of pathogens required to cause disease in 50% of hosts.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death.

Neutralization

The process by which antibodies block the activity of a pathogen or toxin.

Opsonization

The marking of pathogens for destruction by phagocytes.

Agglutination

Clumping of pathogens by antibodies.

Complement System

Part of the immune system that enhances the ability to clear microbes.

Biofilm

A community of microorganisms growing on a surface.

Infection

The invasion and multiplication of pathogens within a host.

Disease

A disturbance of the state of health.

Immunocompromised

A state where the immune system is less effective.

SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein

The protein on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that binds to human cells.

Fomites

Objects or materials that can carry infection.

Cytotoxic T Cells

T cells that kill cancerous or infected host cells.

Helper T Cells

T cells that assist B cells in antibody production.

B Cell Receptor (BCR)

Membrane-bound immunoglobulin on B cells.

Antigen Presentation

The display of antigen on a cell's surface by MHC molecules.

Response to Vaccination

The body's immune reaction following immunization.

T Cell Activation

The process by which T cells become capable of responding to antigens.

Pili

Hair-like appendages on bacteria that assist in attachment.

Capsules

Gelatinous layers that encase some bacteria, helping them evade the immune system.

Bacterial Persistence

Ability of bacteria to survive within a host.

B Cell Activation

The process by which B cells are stimulated to produce antibodies.

Memory Cells

Long-lived B cells that remember past infections.

Antibody Diversity

Variety of antibodies produced to recognize different antigens.

Inflammation

The body's response to infection or injury.

Vaccines

Substances that stimulate an immune response.

Cytokine Storm

An overactive immune response leading to severe tissue damage.

Host Defense Mechanisms

Strategies used by the body to protect against infection.

MHC

Major Histocompatibility Complex, proteins that present antigens.

Epidemiology

The study of how diseases spread and can be controlled.

Pathogenesis

The process by which a disease develops.

Human Microbiome Project

Research initiative aimed at understanding the human microbiota.

Live Vaccine

Vaccines containing attenuated live pathogens.

Synthetic Vaccine

Vaccines made from synthetic or genetically engineered components.