MICI 3115 Immunology - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key immunology concepts from MICI 3115 notes.

Innate immunity

The body's non-specific first line of defense against pathogens, acting quickly and without prior exposure.

Adaptive immunity

The specific immune response involving B and T lymphocytes that develops after exposure and creates immunological memory.

Antibody

A protein produced by B cells that binds specifically to an antigen to neutralize it or mark it for attack.

Antigen

A molecule or part of a molecule that is recognized by the immune system and can elicit an immune response.

Antigen presentation

The display of antigen fragments on cell surfaces (often with MHC) to activate T cells.

Cytokines

Small signaling proteins released by immune cells that regulate inflammation and immune responses.

Lymphocyte development and activation

The maturation and activation of B and T cells leading to functional immune responses.

Hypersensitivity

An exaggerated or inappropriate immune response causing tissue damage.

Autoimmunity

Immune responses directed against the body's own tissues.

Foreign body response

Immune reaction to non-self materials (e.g., implants) involving inflammation and encapsulation.

Vaccination

Exposure to an antigen or component to provoke protective immunity and memory.

Memory immune response

A faster, stronger immune response on re-exposure due to memory cells.

Tolerance

Mechanisms that prevent immune responses to self and maintain self-tolerance.

Immunotherapy

Treatments that manipulate the immune system to fight disease (e.g., vaccines, biologics).

Redundant

Having multiple overlapping defense mechanisms to ensure protection.

Comprehensive

Providing coverage of the entire body by immune defenses.

Tolerant

Ability to discriminate self from non-self to prevent autoimmunity.

Diverse and agile

A wide array of detection pathways and adaptable immune responses.

Communication

Signaling and coordination between immune cells and other cells to coordinate responses.

Memory

Remembering previous pathogens to enable faster responses upon re-exposure.

Self-limiting

Ability of the immune response to subside and restore homeostasis after threat clearance.

Primary immune response

The initial, slower immune reaction to first exposure to an antigen.

Secondary (memory) immune response

A rapid, robust response upon re-exposure due to memory cells.

Neutrophils

First-responder innate immune cells that phagocytose pathogens.

Eosinophils

Leukocytes involved in parasitic infections and allergic responses.

Basophils

Leukocytes involved in inflammation and allergic responses, releasing histamine.

Mast cells

Tissue-resident cells that release mediators like histamine during inflammation.

NK cells

Natural killer cells that lyse virally infected or transformed cells without prior sensitization.

NKT cells

Natural killer T cells bridging innate and adaptive immunity.

T cells

Lymphocytes governing cell-mediated immunity; include helpers, cytotoxic, and regulatory subsets.

B cells

Lymphocytes that produce antibodies and drive humoral immunity.

Monocytes

Circulating precursors that differentiate into macrophages or dendritic cells.

Macrophages

Phagocytic cells that engulf pathogens and present antigen; secrete cytokines.

Dendritic cells

Antigen-presenting cells that activate T cells and prime adaptive responses.

Innate vs adaptive responses

Innate: immediate, non-specific defenses; Adaptive: antigen-specific, memory-rich responses.

Vaccination mechanism

Vaccines trigger an immune response and polarization, generating memory to prevent disease.

Cross-regulation

Regulatory interactions that balance innate and adaptive responses to maintain homeostasis.

Immunotherapy (brief)

Treatments that modulate the immune system to treat disease (e.g., biologics, vaccines).

Memory T cells

Long-lived T cells that respond quickly upon re-exposure to the same antigen.

Memory B cells

Long-lived B cells that rapidly produce antibodies on re-exposure.

Rechallenge

Exposure to the same antigen to assess memory and recall responses.