Lecture on Immune Response and Memory Cells

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the immune response, including types of immune cells, antibody functions, and the dynamics of the immune system during exposure to pathogens.

Antibody

A protein produced by B cells that binds specifically to an antigen.

B cells

A type of white blood cell that matures in the bone marrow and produces antibodies.

Plasma cells

Differentiated B cells that secrete antibodies.

Memory cells

Long-lived B or T cells that remember a previous infection and provide faster immune response upon re-exposure.

Primary immune response

The initial immune response following exposure to an antigen.

Secondary immune response

The more rapid and stronger immune response elicited by re-exposure to the same antigen.

Antigen presenting cell (APC)

Cells that present antigens to T cells, including dendritic cells and macrophages.

MHC Class I

Molecules found on almost all cells that present endogenous antigens to cytotoxic T cells.

MHC Class II

Molecules found on APCs that present exogenous antigens to helper T cells.

Cytotoxic T cells (CD8+ T cells)

T cells that kill infected or cancerous cells by directly attacking them.

Helper T cells (CD4+ T cells)

T cells that assist in activating B cells and other T cells.

Regulatory T cells

T cells that help control and moderate the immune response.

Agglutination

The clumping together of cells or particles due to the binding of antibodies.

Neutralization

The process by which antibodies block the harmful effects of toxins or pathogens.

Immunoglobulin

Another term for antibodies, with five main classes including A, D, E, G, and M.

Complement system

A group of proteins that work with antibodies to destroy pathogens.

Antigenic variation

The ability of pathogens to alter their surface proteins to evade detection by the immune system.

Vaccine

A preparation that stimulates an immune response to confer protection against disease.

CAR T-cell therapy

A form of immunotherapy that modifies T cells to better target and destroy cancer cells.

Cytokines

Signaling molecules that mediate and regulate immunity and inflammation.

Autoimmune diseases

Disorders in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue.