Chapter 19

What occurs when the immune system fails to eliminate pathogens?

Infection occurs.

What is an example of cancer related to immune system failure?

A lack of immunological surveillance allows cancer cells to proliferate.

Why are elderly individuals more susceptible to cancer?

Their immune systems degrade over time.

Which drugs are prescribed to suppress the immune system?

Medications intended for patients undergoing tissue or organ transplants or treating specific cancers.

In what group are autoimmune diseases more prevalent?

Women, often with genetic predispositions.

What happens in autoimmune diseases?

The loss of self-tolerance causes the immune system to attack self cells.

What are hypersensitivity reactions?

Exaggerated immune responses that are considered unwanted.

What is the hygiene hypothesis?

Reduced exposure to microbes in urban settings contributes to increased allergic reactions and asthma.

What bacterium is associated with antibiotic use leading to microbiota imbalance?

Clostridium difficile.

What treatment may help restore normal microbiota in patients with Clostridium difficile infections?

Fecal transplants.

What are the two main types of inflammatory bowel diseases?

Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease.

What characterizes Type I hypersensitivity reactions?

Quick local or systemic responses due to IgE antibodies.

In Type II hypersensitivity reactions, what type of antibodies are involved?

IgG or IgM antibodies.

What can trigger Type III hypersensitivity reactions?

Deposits of immune complexes leading to inflammation.

What type of hypersensitivity involves T-cell mediated responses occurring days after exposure?

Type IV hypersensitivity.

What therapies might be utilized for cancer related to immune system failures?

Immunotherapy using monoclonal antibodies.

What are the two categories of immune deficiencies?

Congenital (Primary) and Acquired (Secondary).

What is a common acquired immune deficiency?

HIV/AIDS.

What types of grafts exist in transplantation?

Autografts (from self), allografts (from others), xenografts (from animals).

What is the goal of immunosuppressive drugs after transplantation?

To prevent rejection of transplanted tissues.

What preventative measures are taken against cancers linked to viruses?

Vaccinations against viruses like HPV and Hepatitis.

What are some targets of new HIV treatments?

Preventing integration, replication, and release of new virions.