Immunity:

Immunity - Specific (adaptive)

Defense against infection by lymphocytes in response to antigens.

Humoral Immunity

An immune response mediated by antibodies produced by B lymphocytes that occur in bodily fluids.

Antibody

A protein produced by B lymphocytes that recognizes and binds to a specific antigen.

B Lymphocyte

A type of white blood cell that produces antibodies.

Cellular Immunity

An immune response mediated by T lymphocytes that do not directly bind to antigens.

Antigens

Substances that provoke the production of antibodies.

Valence

The number of antigenic determinants (epitopes) on the surfaces of antigens.

IgG

A class of antibodies that account for about 80% of serum antibodies and can cross the placenta.

IgM

The first antibody produced in an immune response, consisting of five linked units, with 10 antigen binding sites.

Type I Hypersensitivity

An immediate allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis, involving IgE antibodies and mast cells.

Helper T Cells

T cells that aid B lymphocytes in producing antibodies.

Cytokines

Chemical messengers released by T cells that influence immune cell behavior.

Antigen-Presenting Cell (APC)

Cells that process and present antigens to T helper cells, initiating an immune response.

T Cell Receptor (TCR)

A receptor on T cells that recognizes specific antigens presented by MHC molecules.

MHC Class II

Proteins found on APCs that present processed antigens to T helper cells.

Anamnestic Reaction

A rapid response to an antigen due to the activation of memory B cells.

Primary Immune Response

The initial response of the immune system upon first exposure to an antigen.

Secondary Immune Response

A faster and more intense immune response upon subsequent exposure to the same antigen.

Natural Killer (NK) Cells

Cells that attack and kill infected or cancerous cells without the need for specific antigen recognition.

Clonal Selection Theory

The theory that antigen-reactive B or T cells are selected to proliferate after encountering their specific antigen.

Positive Selection (T Cells)

The process in the thymus where T cells that can recognize self-MHC proteins are retained.

Negative Selection (T Cells)

The process that eliminates T cells that bind too strongly to self-antigens.

Autoimmune Diseases

Conditions that occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.

Bruton's Agammaglobulinemia

A B cell deficiency that leads to an inability to produce antibodies.

DiGeorge's Syndrome

A condition caused by a T cell deficiency due to an absent or underdeveloped thymus.

Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID)

A rare condition in which bone marrow stem cells fail to develop into functional lymphocytes.

HLA System

The human version of the MHC, critical for immune response and organ transplant success.

Monoclonal Antibodies

Antibodies produced from a single clone of B cells, specific to one antigen.

Cytotoxic T Cells

T cells that directly kill virus-infected or cancerous cells.

Suppressor T Cells

T cells that regulate and down-modulate the immune response.

Interleukin 2

A cytokine that stimulates B cell proliferation and differentiation into plasma and memory cells.

Immediate vs Delayed Hypersensitivity

Immediate hypersensitivity occurs within hours while delayed hypersensitivity takes a day or two.

Opsonization

The process of marking pathogens for destruction by phagocytes.

Cytotoxic Hypersensitivity

Type II hypersensitivity that involves IgG and IgM antibodies causing cellular destruction.

Immune Complex-Mediated Hypersensitivity

Type III hypersensitivity caused by the formation of antigen-antibody complexes.

Cell-Mediated Hypersensitivity

Type IV hypersensitivity involving T cells and delayed immune responses.

Antitoxins

Antibodies that neutralize toxins released by pathogens.

Agglutinins

Antibodies that cause clumping of cells or particles, often used in blood typing.

Vaccine

A preparation that induces an immune response to prevent disease.

T-independent Antigens

Antigens that can stimulate B cells directly without T cell help.

Memory Cells

Long-lived cells that provide rapid and robust responses upon re-exposure to an antigen.

Gamma Globulin Fraction

A component of blood plasma containing antibodies.

Mast Cells

Cells that release mediators like histamine during allergic reactions.

Epitopes

Specific regions on an antigen that are recognized by antibodies.

Complement System

A group of proteins that enhance the immune response by promoting inflammation and opsonization.

Cytokine Activation

The process by which cytokines stimulate immune cells to respond to pathogens.

Lymphokines

Cytokines released from T cells that affect the activity of other immune cells.

AIDS

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, a disease caused by HIV that destroys Helper T cells.

Plasma Cells

B cells that produce and secrete large amounts of antibodies.

Antigenic Determinants

Specific parts of an antigen that are recognized by antibodies.

IgE

An antibody class involved in allergic reactions and responses to parasites.

Interferons

Proteins produced by cells in response to viral infections that help inhibit viral replication.

Alpha and Beta Globulins

Classes of proteins found in blood serum that can include various immune factors.

Cytokine Storm

An excessive immune response due to overproduction of cytokines.

Hypersensitivities

Abnormal immune responses that lead to tissue damage.

T Cell Maturation

The process T cells undergo in the thymus to become functional.

Fevers and Inflammation

Responses to infection as part of the innate immune system.

Cross-Reactivity

When antibodies made against one antigen bind to a different, similar antigen.

Self-tolerance

The immune system's ability to avoid attacking the body's own cells.

Eosinophils

White blood cells that play a role in allergic reactions and parasitic infections.

Natural Immunity

Immunity developed through natural exposure to pathogens.

Acquired Immunity

Immunity gained from exposure to specific pathogens or through vaccinations.

Antigen variability

The ability of antigens to change, affecting immune recognition.

Lymphatic System

A network that supports immune function and transports lymphocytes.

Immunological Memory

The ability of the immune system to respond more effectively upon re-exposure to a pathogen.

Proinflammatory cytokines

Cytokines that promote inflammation and immune system activation.

Transfusion Reactions

Response to receiving mismatched blood that can result in immune attack on transfused cells.

Breastfeeding and Immunity

Natural transfer of antibodies from mother to infant through breast milk.

Allergens

Substances that provoke allergic responses.

Immune Response Mechanism

Processes through which the immune system recognizes and eliminates pathogens.

Myeloma

A cancer of plasma cells that can be used in the production of monoclonal antibodies.

Gamma Globulin Injection

Used for passive immunity against certain infections.

Polyvalent Vaccines

Vaccines that protect against multiple strains of a pathogen.

Microbial Antigens

Antigens derived from microorganisms that elicit an immune response.

Inactivated Vaccines

Vaccines made from killed pathogens.

Attenuated Vaccines

Vaccines made from weakened pathogens that can still trigger an immune response.

Live Vaccines

Vaccines using live pathogens that are modified to not cause disease.

Passive Immunization

The introduction of antibodies from another source, providing temporary immunity.

Immunoassay

A laboratory method for detecting or measuring antibodies.

Serological Testing

Testing that detects the presence of antibodies in serum.

Congenital Immunodeficiency

Immunodeficiency present at birth due to genetic factors.

Adaptive Immunity

The immune system's ability to adapt and remember specific pathogens.

Fomite

An inanimate object or surface that can transmit infectious agents.

Biosecurity

Protection against biological threats such as pathogens.

Safer Injection Practices

Procedures to minimize infection risks during injections.

Vaccination Programs

Public health initiatives to increase immunity in populations.

Outbreak Investigations

Epidemiological studies conducted to control infectious diseases.

Quarantine Measures

Restrictions placed on the movement of infected individuals to prevent disease spread.

Public Health Surveillance

Ongoing systematic collection and analysis of health data.

Plasmapheresis

A procedure to remove plasma containing harmful antibodies.

Autoimmune Mechanisms

Processes that lead to immune responses against self-antigens.

Gene Therapy for Immunodeficiencies

Using genetic modification to treat immunodeficiency diseases.

Cytokine Receptor Blockers

Medications that inhibit the action of cytokines to reduce inflammation.

Antigenic shift and drift

Mechanisms by which viruses and bacteria change their surface antigens.

Inflammatory Response

The body's initial reaction to injury or infection involving immune cell activation and swelling.

Immune System Components

Cells and proteins involved in the body's defense against pathogens.

Serum Sickness

A reaction to injected foreign proteins characterized by fever and rash.

Cytotoxic Reactions

Immunological responses leading to cell death.

Allergic Rhinitis

An allergic reaction resulting in nasal inflammation.

Long-term Effects of Vaccination

Sustained immune protection resulting from vaccination.