Pathopharm Immune Response

Granulocytes

A type of white blood cell that contains granules and is involved in the innate immune response.

Agranulocytes

White blood cells that do not contain granules and play key roles in both innate and adaptive immunity.

Neutrophils

The most common type of granulocyte, crucial for quickly fighting bacterial infections by engulfing pathogens.

Eosinophils

Granulocytes that combat parasites and are involved in allergic responses.

Basophils

Granulocytes that release histamine and are involved in inflammatory and allergic reactions.

Lymphocytes

A type of agranulocyte that includes T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells, central to adaptive immunity.

Monocytes

Agranulocytes that mature into macrophages and dendritic cells, important for phagocytizing pathogens and presenting antigens.

MHC Class I Proteins

Proteins found on all nucleated cells that present internal peptide fragments to cytotoxic T cells.

MHC Class II Proteins

Proteins expressed on professional antigen-presenting cells that present external antigens to helper T cells.

Helper T Cells

CD4+ T cells that activate other immune cells by releasing cytokines.

Cytotoxic T Cells

CD8+ T cells that directly kill infected cells.

Memory T Cells

T cells that provide a faster immune response upon re-exposure to the same pathogen.

Regulatory T Cells

T cells that help maintain immune tolerance and prevent autoimmune diseases.

B-Cells

Cells that mature into plasma cells producing specific antibodies against antigens.

Memory B Cells

B cells that remain in the body to respond to future exposures to the same antigen.

Natural Killer Cells

Innate immune cells that kill cells that do not properly present MHC molecules.

Complement System

A system that enhances the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear pathogens and promote inflammation.

Chemotaxis

The process that attracts immune cells to the site of infection.

Opsonization

The marking of pathogens for destruction by phagocytes.

Engulfment

The mechanism by which phagocytes consume and neutralize pathogens.

Antigens

Substances that can induce an immune response, including proteins on pathogens and mismatched blood cells.

Cytokines

Signaling proteins released by cells that affect the behavior of other cells in the immune response.

Primary Immune Response

The immune response that occurs upon first exposure to an antigen, involving B-cell activation.

Secondary Immune Response

A more rapid and robust immune response due to the presence of memory cells.

Immunoglobulins

Antibodies including IgG, IgM, IgA, IgE, and IgD, for immune defense.

Bone Marrow

The site of blood cell production, including immune cells.

Thymus Gland

The organ where T cells mature.

Lymph Nodes

Structures that filter pathogens and facilitate immune cell interactions.

Spleen

An organ that filters blood, traps pathogens, and destroys old red blood cells.

Aging and the Immune System

The phenomenon where the immune system becomes less efficient with age, increasing susceptibility to infections.

Active Immunity

Immunity resulting from exposure to a disease-causing agent, leading to memory cell production.

Passive Immunity

Immunity involving the transfer of antibodies from another source, such as maternal antibodies.

Vaccines

Preparations that mimic infection to stimulate the body’s adaptive immunity without causing illness.