Immune Responses and Disorders

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to immune responses, autoimmune disorders, and immune deficiencies.

Altered Immune Response

A change in the normal functioning of the immune system, which can lead to hypersensitivity or deficient immune responses.

HIV/AIDS

A viral disease caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which depletes the body's CD4 T lymphocytes, leading to acquired immune deficiency.

Type I Hypersensitivity

IgE-mediated response that occurs immediately after exposure to an allergen, potentially leading to severe reactions.

Autoimmunity

An immune response against the body's own cells, resulting in tissue damage and autoimmune diseases.

Complement Deficiencies

Lack of components in the complement system, which aids in immune responses, leading to increased susceptibility to infections.

Immune Complexes

Aggregates formed by the binding of antibodies to antigens, which can lead to tissue damage when deposited in various organs.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

A condition characterized by a severe reduction in the immune system's capacity, primarily caused by infection with HIV.

Graft-versus-host Disease

A complication of transplant procedures where the donor's immune cells attack the recipient's tissues.

T cell Deficiencies

A form of immune deficiency characterized by a reduced number or function of T lymphocytes, leading to increased vulnerability to infections.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

A chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs and systems, marked by the production of autoantibodies.

Allergy

Hypersensitivity to environmental exogenous antigens

Autoimmunity

Disturbance in the immulogic tolerance of self-antigens

Alloimmunity

Immune reaction to tissues of another individual 

Which types of hypersensitive are humeral

1, 2, 3

Type 1 most common H2 clinical manifestation

Diarrhea and severe is vommiting

type 1 has how many exposures 

2 

best treatment for type 1

avoidance

T or F type 1 reactions can be life threatening

True

Type 2 symptoms occur from?

the tissues or cells in which express the reaction 

dose type 2 cause a reduce RBC?

yes

In type 3 does the small complex have any effect?

no

In type 3 when do you see an immune response 

when the intermediate immune complex land somewhere and attach themselves in type 3

In type 3 does the the intermediate complex have the ability to circulate the whole body

yes

type 3 often ends up in (class example)

Kidney

T or F type 4 is promoted through childhood

True 

Does type 4 have the same exposure and exposure without Antigens

Yes

Which type has a delayed response

Type 4

which type is Some group A strep release

bacterial antigens into

bloodstream

- Antigens combine with

antibodies….

- Form immune complexes

- Immune complexes get

deposited into tissues . . . .

Such as kidney

Type 3

Development of autoantibodies

which target and destroy platelets

Type 2

Chronic multisystem inflammatory disease

- Production of autoantibodies

against RBCs, platelets,

lymphocytes, etc.

- Destruction of these cells

- Immune complex formed and

deposited in blood vessels,

-deposit

joints, kidneys, etc.

- Damage to these organs

Type 2 and 3

What is alloimmunity?

An immune reaction to tissues or cells from another person of the same species.
→ The immune system recognizes donor antigens as “non-self” and attacks.
Includes transplant rejection + blood transfusion reactions.

How is alloimmunity different from autoimmunity?

• Alloimmunity: Immune reaction to someone else’s antigens (blood, organs).

• Autoimmunity: Immune reaction to your own antigens (e.g., MS, SLE)

Why must transfusion blood groups match?

Your plasma contains antibodies against A/B antigens you do not have.
If incompatible blood is transfused → antibodies bind donor RBCs → hemolysis, inflammation, kidney injury.

Altered immune response6

What are hallmark signs of an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction?

• Fever, chills

• Flank/back pain (kidney involvement)

• Hypotension

• Hemoglobinuria

• Can lead to shock

• Why does the body reject transplanted organs?

Recipient immune system recognizes donor organ antigens (HLA) as foreign → activates:

• T cells (major mechanism)

• Antibodies
  Leading to inflammation + tissue destruction

What is Graft-versus-Host Disease (GVHD)?

Donor immune cells attack the recipient (opposite of rejection).
Seen in bone marrow transplants.
Leads to widespread inflammatio

Why are lifelong immunosuppressants required In transplant patient?

To prevent T-cell activation and antibody formation against donor antigens.
But → increases susceptibility to infection and malignancy.

What does “evaluation of immunity” mean?

Assessing how well the immune system functions, including:

• Ability to recognize antigens

• Ability to mount an appropriate response

• T- and B-cell function

• Presence of immune deficiencies or hypersensitivities

What does neutropenia indicate?

• Increased infection risk

• Possibly due to chemotherapy, medications, bone marrow suppression, or autoimmune destruction

• Often seen in secondary immunodeficiency

What does lymphopenia tell us?

• Indicates T- or B-cell deficiency

• Seen in HIV, chemotherapy, immunosuppressive drugs, congenital disorders

• Can cause frequent viral/fungal infections

What does high eosinophils indicate?

• Type I hypersensitivity reactions (allergies, asthma)

• Parasitic infections

Difference between primary and secondary immunodeficiency?

• Primary: Genetic, present at birth (e.g., DiGeorge → no thymus → ↓ T cells)

• Secondary: Caused by external factors (infection, meds, stress, malnutrition, aging)