Immunology Cytokines and Acute Phase Reactants

These flashcards cover key concepts related to cytokines and acute phase reactants, focusing on their definitions, functions, and importance in immunology.

What are cytokines?

Small proteins secreted by cells that act as chemical messengers to regulate immunity, inflammation, and hematopoiesis.

What are chemokines?

A subclass of cytokines that induce chemotaxis, directing the movement of immune cells towards sites of infection or inflammation.

Define chemotaxin.

Any chemical substance that attracts cells, especially leukocytes, to the site of infection or tissue injury.

What role does Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) play in the body?

TNF is involved in systemic inflammation, induces fever, apoptosis, and promotes inflammation.

What are the main functions of interferons (IFNs)?

They inhibit viral replication, activate NK cells and macrophages, and increase antigen presentation to T lymphocytes.

What are interleukins (ILs)?

A large group of cytokines that mediate communication between leukocytes and regulate cell growth, differentiation, and immune activation.

What is C-Reactive Protein (CRP)?

A positive acute phase reactant that binds to dead or dying cells and certain bacteria, activating the complement system.

What are the functions of haptoglobin?

Binds free hemoglobin from red blood cells to prevent oxidative damage and conserve iron.

What is procalcitonin (PCT) used for clinically?

Used as a biomarker for sepsis and severe bacterial inflammation.

List some positive acute phase reactants.

C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Haptoglobin, Ceruloplasmin, Fibrinogen, Serum Amyloid A (SAA), Alpha-1 Antitrypsin, Procalcitonin (PCT).