Adaptive Immunity Review

These flashcards focus on key terms and definitions related to adaptive immunity, helping reinforce understanding of important concepts in immunology.

Adaptive Immunity

The immune response that provides long-term protection against specific pathogens.

Humoral Immunity

A type of adaptive immunity involving B cells that produce antibodies.

Cell-Mediated Immunity

A type of adaptive immunity involving T cells that directly kill infected cells.

Active Immunity

Immunity that develops after exposure to an antigen, resulting in antibody production.

Passive Immunity

Immunity acquired through the transfer of antibodies from another source.

Antigen

A substance that can bind to antibodies or T cell receptors.

Immunogen

An antigen that can provoke an immune response.

Haptens

Small molecules that can elicit an immune response only when attached to a carrier molecule.

Immunoglobulin G (IgG)

The most abundant antibody class, providing the majority of antibody-based immunity.

Immunoglobulin A (IgA)

An antibody found in mucosal areas, secretions, and blood, important for mucosal immunity.

Immunoglobulin M (IgM)

The largest antibody, first produced in response to an antigen.

Immunoglobulin D (IgD)

An antibody found in low levels in the blood, primarily as a B-cell receptor.

Immunoglobulin E (IgE)

An antibody associated with allergic responses and protection against parasitic infections.

T Lymphocytes

White blood cells that play central roles in cell-mediated immunity.

B Lymphocytes

White blood cells that are responsible for producing antibodies.

Primary Immune Response

The initial response to an antigen, involving B cell differentiation and IgM production.

Secondary Immune Response

The faster and more robust immune response upon subsequent exposure to an antigen.

Clonal Diversity

The generation of a diverse range of lymphocytes that can recognize various antigens.

Clonal Selection

The process by which specific lymphocytes are activated by their antigen.

Antigen Presenting Cells (APCs)

Cells that process and present antigens to T cells.

T Helper Cells

T cells that facilitate the activation of B cells and other T cells.

T Cytotoxic Cells

T cells that directly kill infected or abnormal cells.

Cytokines

Signaling proteins secreted by cells that mediate and regulate immunity and inflammation.

Memory Cells

Long-lived immune cells that are formed after an infection and can quickly respond to future infections.

Maternal Antibodies

Antibodies transferred from mother to fetus, providing temporary immunity.

Inflammation

The body's response to injury or infection, characterized by redness, heat, swelling, and pain.

Wound Healing

The process by which the body repairs and regenerates tissue after injury.

Neonatal Immunity

fetus has IgM but limited IgG and IgA production, relying on maternal antibodies for initial protection against infections during the early months after birth.

Aging and Immune Function

The changes in immune function that occur as individuals age, affecting both innate and adaptive immunity.

Antigen-Antibody Binding

The specific interaction between antibodies and their corresponding antigens.

Epitope

The specific part of an antigen that is recognized and bound by an antibody.

Paratope

The part of an antibody that recognizes and binds to an epitope on an antigen.

Vasodilation

Increased vascular permiability and widening of blood vessels, often resulting in increased blood flow to tissues.

Compliment System

recruits phagocytes, activates mast cells, and destroys pathogens through a cascade of protein interactions that enhance the immune response.

Clotting (coagulations) system

Forms fibrinous meshwork at injury site to stop bleeding and facilitate repair.

Kinin system (Bradykinin)

Activates inflammatory cells that cause vasodilation, muscle contraction, inducing pain and increases vasodilation

Mast Cells + Basophils (in connective tissue)

types of white blood cells that play a crucial role in inflammatory responses by releasing histamine and other mediators.

Endothelial cells

A layer of cells lining blood vessels and organs, regulating vascular permeability and inflammation.

Platelets

Cell fragments involved in blood clotting and wound healing, releasing growth factors and mediators that aid in inflammation.

Phagocytes

A type of immune cell that engulfs and digests pathogens and debris through the process of phagocytosis, playing a vital role in the body’s defense mechanism.

Macrophages

Type of WBC monocyte that activates into a larger cell, capable of phagocytosing pathogens and tissue debris, and presenting antigens to T cells.

Dendritic cells

Type of WBC monocyte that captures antigens and presents them to T cells, initiating adaptive immune responses.

Natural Killer Cells

A type of lymphocyte in the immune system that can recognize and destroy infected or cancerous cells without prior sensitization, playing an important role in the innate immune response.

Acute Inflammation

A localized immune response characterized by redness, heat, swelling, and pain, often resulting from infection or injury, aimed at eliminating pathogens and promoting healing.

Acute Systemic Inflammation

A widespread immune response throughout the body, often marked by fever, fatigue, and changes in blood cell counts, typically due to severe infection or injury.