The Immune System

This set of flashcards includes key vocabulary and definitions related to the immune system, covering various aspects of immune cells, responses, and functions.

Lymphocytes

A type of white blood cell that plays a significant role in the immune response.

T Lymphocytes

A type of lymphocyte that plays a central role in cell-mediated immunity.

B Lymphocytes

A type of lymphocyte responsible for producing antibodies.

Antigen-Presenting Cell

Cells that display foreign antigens complexed with major histocompatibility complexes on their surfaces.

Cytokine Storm

An excessive immune response characterized by high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Innate Immunity

The body's first line of defense against pathogens, involving physical barriers and immune cells.

Adaptive Immunity

A specific immune response that adapts to the presence of a pathogen over time, typically involving B and T cells.

Immunosuppression

A reduction of the immune response, potentially leading to increased infection risk.

Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)

A set of molecules displayed on cell surfaces that help the immune system recognize self vs non-self.

Memory Cells

Long-lived immune cells that remember past infections and provide a faster response upon re-exposure to the same pathogen.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by B cells that specifically bind to antigens to neutralize or eliminate them.

HIV and T Cells

HIV targets helper T cells, impairing the immune system's ability to respond to infections.

Natural Killer Cells

A type of lymphocyte that can directly kill virus-infected cells and tumors.

Phagocytosis

The process by which certain immune cells engulf and destroy pathogens.

Hybrid Immunity

The increased immune response observed when natural immunity is combined with vaccine-generated immunity.

TCR (T Cell Receptor)

A molecule found on the surface of T cells that recognizes and binds to specific antigens.

IgM and IgG Antibodies

IgM is produced first during an immune response, while IgG is generated later and provides long-term immunity.

Cytotoxic T Cells

T cells that kill cancerous and infected cells directly.

Regulatory T Cells

Cells that maintain immune system tolerance and prevent autoimmune reactions.

Cytokines

Signaling proteins released by cells that communicate between cells in the immune system.