Immune Disorders

These flashcards contain key vocabulary terms and definitions related to the concepts of immune disorders, focusing on immunity types, immune cells, immunoglobulins, autoimmunity, immunodeficiencies, HIV/AIDS, hypersensitivity reactions, and associated conditions.

Immunity

The condition of being resistant to infection by a specific pathogen.

Antigen

A substance/pathogen or foreign protein that causes the production of antibodies by lymphocytes.

Antibody

A protein (immunoglobulin) produced by lymphocytes in response to a harmful substance (antigen).

Humoral Immunity

Acquired immunity in which antibodies play a dominant role.

Active Immunity

Immunity that establishes immunological memory through natural or artificial exposure.

Passive Immunity

Temporary immunity through the transfer of antibodies from another source.

Cellular Immunity

Acquired immunity in which T cells (T lymphocytes) play a dominant role.

Cytotoxic T cells

T cells that defend against abnormal cells and pathogens inside cells.

Helper T cells

T cells that stimulate the response of other immune cells.

Regulatory T cells

Subset of T cells that moderate the immune response.

Memory T cells

T cells that respond to antigens they have previously encountered.

Immunoglobulin G (IgG)

Most abundant class of antibodies, transported across the placenta.

Immunoglobulin M (IgM)

First antibody produced during the primary response to an antigen.

Immunoglobulin A (IgA)

Antibody found in saliva and body secretions.

Immunoglobulin D (IgD)

Functions as a type of B-cell antigen receptor.

Immunoglobulin E (IgE)

Involved in allergic reactions and defends against parasites.

Autoimmunity

The development of antibodies to self-antigens.

Self-tolerance

The inactivation of B and T cells that bind to self-antigens.

Autoimmune Disease

Tissue damage resulting from an autoimmune response.

Immunodeficiency

A condition causing a deficiency in the production or function of immune cells.

Primary Immunodeficiency

Affects the immune system primarily.

Secondary Immunodeficiency

Affects immune system function due to environmental factors.

HIV

The virus responsible for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Helper T cells (CD4+)

Lymphocytes that are targeted and depleted by HIV.

Opportunistic Infections

Infections that take advantage of the weakened immune system.

Pathophysiology

The functional changes associated with or resulting from disease or injury.

Cytokines

Chemical mediators that coordinate immune responses.

Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)

A cytokine produced by macrophages that induces pro-inflammatory effects.

Interferon

A cytokine that protects against viral infections.

Interleukin

A type of cytokine important for communication among leukocytes.

Hypersensitivity

An exaggerated immune response to an otherwise harmless antigen.

Type I Hypersensitivity

IgE-mediated reactions, such as allergies and anaphylaxis.

Type II Hypersensitivity

Tissue-specific reactions mediated by IgG and IgM antibodies.

Type III Hypersensitivity

Immune complex-mediated reactions leading to tissue damage.

Type IV Hypersensitivity

Cell-mediated hypersensitivity reactions involving T lymphocytes.

Allergic Reaction

An immune reaction that results from an overreaction to a harmless substance.

Anaphylaxis

A severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.

Myasthenia Gravis

An autoimmune disease characterized by weakness in voluntary muscles.

Haemolytic Anaemia

An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks red blood cells.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

A chronic autoimmune disease that leads to inflammation in various organ systems.

Chronic Graft Rejection

An immune response against transplanted tissue, leading to dysfunction.

Vaccination

A method of inducing immunity using a pathogen or its components.

Immunotherapy

Treatment that uses certain parts of a person's immune system to fight diseases.

NK Cells

Natural killer cells, a type of lymphocyte that plays a role in innate immunity.

Phagocytosis

The process by which cells engulf and digest microbes and debris.

Memory B cells

B cells that remember past infections and respond quickly upon re-exposure.

Complement System

A group of proteins in blood that assists antibodies in destroying pathogens.

Coombs Test

A test for detecting antibodies that act against red blood cells.

MHC

Major Histocompatibility Complex, molecules that help the immune system recognize foreign substances.

Granulocytes

A category of white blood cells that contain granules in their cytoplasm.

Lymphocytes

White blood cells that are integral to the immune system.

Eosinophils

White blood cells involved in combating parasites and allergic responses.

Basophils

White blood cells that release histamine during allergic reactions.

Tissue Repair

The process of healing or regeneration that occurs after injury.

Chronic Inflammation

Long-term inflammation that can lead to tissue damage.

Atherosclerosis

A disease in which plaque builds up inside arteries.

Neurological Disorders

Conditions that affect the brain, spine, and nerves.

Weight Loss

A common symptom associated with many diseases, including HIV/AIDS.

Antiretroviral Drugs

Medications used to treat HIV by controlling its replication.

Opportunistic Pathogens

Microbes that exploit a weakened immune system.

Candidiasis

A fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida, often seen in immunocompromised individuals.

Tuberculosis

A bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs but can also affect other organs.

Kaposi's Sarcoma

A type of cancer commonly associated with AIDS.

Diabetes

A chronic condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar (glucose).

Localised Inflammation

Inflammation that occurs in a specific area of the body.

Systemic Effects

Widespread effects that occur throughout the body, often due to severe illness.

Corticosteroids

A class of drugs that lower inflammation and reduce immune responses.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by B cells that specifically target antigens.

T Cells

A type of lymphocyte that plays a central role in cell-mediated immunity.

B Cells

Lymphocytes that produce antibodies as part of the immune response.