Immunology and Lab Safety — Vocabulary Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering hypersensitivity, immune disorders, and related concepts discussed in the lecture notes.

Hypersensitivity

An exaggerated or inappropriate immune response to a harmless antigen, often causing tissue inflammation after subsequent exposures.

Anaphylactic reaction

A severe, systemic hypersensitivity reaction with rapid onset, hives, swelling, airway compromise, and possible shock.

Angioedema

Swelling of the lips, tongue, and other tissues due to a hypersensitive reaction, sometimes drug-induced (e.g., lisinopril).

EpiPen

Epinephrine auto-injector used to treat anaphylaxis by reversing airway swelling and shock.

Hives (urticaria)

Raised, itchy welts on the skin that occur during allergic reactions.

Food allergy

Hypersensitive reaction to a food allergen (e.g., cashews, peanuts, shellfish) that can range from mild to life-threatening.

Autoimmune disease

A condition in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissues, with periods of flare and remission (examples include lupus, Guillain-Barré syndrome, ulcerative colitis, type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, myasthenia gravis).

Immunodeficiency

A weakened immune system that increases susceptibility to infections; can be primary (inherited) or secondary (acquired).

Primary immunodeficiency

Inborn immune defects (often single-gene) that lead to recurrent infections; may be present at birth or later.

Secondary immunodeficiency

Immunodeficiency acquired due to another condition or treatment (e.g., infections, cancer chemotherapy, diabetes, burns, alcohol).

SCID (Severe Combined Immunodeficiency)

A rare primary immunodeficiency with severely reduced B and T cell function, often requiring a sterile environment.

HIV/AIDS

Human Immunodeficiency Virus; targets CD4+ T cells, weakening cellular and humoral immunity; transmitted through infected individuals.

T cells

Lymphocytes that orchestrate cellular immunity; deficiencies impair response to antigens.

B cells

Lymphocytes that produce antibodies as part of humoral immunity.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by B cells that specifically recognize and neutralize antigens.

Antibody persistence

The duration antibodies remain in the bloodstream after exposure or vaccination.

Transplant rejection

Immune response against a transplanted organ or tissue due to donor antigens; managed with immunosuppressive therapy.

Complement deficiency

Deficiency or dysfunction of components of the complement system, increasing infection risk; can be primary or secondary.

Yeast infection (candidiasis)

Fungal infection caused by Candida species, common in immunocompromised patients.

Mediators of inflammation

Substances such as histamine and prostaglandins that coordinate the inflammatory response and recruit immune cells.

Histamine

A mediator released by mast cells and basophils during allergic reactions, causing vasodilation and itching.

Prostaglandins

Lipid mediators involved in inflammation, pain, and fever.

Sensitization

Initial exposure to an allergen that primes the immune system for a stronger reaction upon subsequent exposures.

IgE-mediated hypersensitivity

A type of allergic reaction driven by IgE antibodies triggering mast cell degranulation.

Immunosuppressive therapy

Medications used to suppress the immune system to prevent transplant rejection.