MTAP2-Immunology-and-Serology

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Natural Immunity

Immunity that is naturally present and is not due to prior sensitization to an antigen from, for example, an infection or vaccination.

Acquired Immunity

Immunity that is not naturally present and is developed through exposure to antigens, either naturally or artificially.

Active Natural Immunity

Immunity developed through natural exposure to antigens, such as during an infection.

Active Artificial Immunity

Immunity developed through artificial means, such as vaccination.

Passive Natural Immunity

Immunity transferred naturally, such as from mother to child through the placenta or breast milk.

Passive Artificial Immunity

Immunity transferred artificially, such as through the administration of antibodies or antitoxins.

Antigen

A substance that can induce an immune response when introduced into the body.

Autoantigen

An antigen that belongs to the host's own body.

Alloantigen

An antigen from other individuals of the same species.

Heteroantigen

An antigen from other species, such as other animals, plants, or microorganisms.

Heterophile Antigen

An antigen that may cross-react with antigens from unrelated plants or animals.

Epitope

The specific part of an antigen that is recognized by the immune system, also known as the antigenic determinant.

Hapten

A small molecule that can elicit an immune response only when attached to a larger carrier molecule.

Adjuvant

A substance that enhances the body's immune response to an antigen.

Immunogen

A substance that can induce an immune response.

Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)

A set of cell surface proteins essential for the acquired immune system to recognize foreign molecules.

MHC Class I

Molecules that present endogenous antigens to cytotoxic T cells. Found on all nucleated cells.

MHC Class II

Molecules that present exogenous antigens to helper T cells. Found on antigen-presenting cells (APCs).

Allograft

Tissue transferred from an individual of one species into another individual of the same species.

Isograft

Transfer of tissue between two genetically identical members of the same species.

Autograft

Tissues removed from one area of an individual's body and reintroduced in another area of the same individual.

Xenograft

Transfer of tissue from an individual of one species to an individual of another species.

Antibody

A protein produced by the immune system in response to an antigen, capable of binding specifically to that antigen.

Immunoglobulin (Ig)

Another term for antibody, a type of protein that functions as an antibody.

IgG

The most abundant immunoglobulin class in serum, responsible for long-term immunity and can cross the placenta.

IgM

The first immunoglobulin produced in response to an antigen, exists as a pentamer, and is effective in agglutination.

IgA

Found in mucosal areas, such as the gut, respiratory tract, and urogenital tract, and in secretions like saliva, tears, and breast milk.

IgD

Functions mainly as an antigen receptor on B cells that have not been exposed to antigens.

IgE

Involved in allergic reactions and defense against parasitic infections.

Fab Fragment

The antigen-binding fragment of an antibody, consisting of the variable regions of the heavy and light chains.

Fc Fragment

The crystallizable fragment of an antibody, responsible for effector functions such as complement activation and binding to cell receptors.

Monomer

A single unit of an antibody, consisting of two heavy chains and two light chains.

Polymer

An antibody composed of more than one monomeric unit, such as IgM (pentamer) or secretory IgA (dimer).

J Chain

A polypeptide chain that holds polymeric immunoglobulins together.

Secretory Component

A substance attached to polymeric IgA found in secretions.

Hinge Region

A flexible segment of the heavy chain located between the CH1 and CH2 regions, allowing for flexibility in the antibody molecule.

Papain Enzyme

An enzyme that cleaves antibodies above the hinge region, producing two Fab fragments and one Fc fragment.

Pepsin Enzyme

An enzyme that cleaves antibodies below the hinge region, producing one F(ab')2 fragment and one Fc fragment.

Complement System

A part of the immune system that enhances the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear microbes and damaged cells.

Classical Pathway

A complement activation pathway triggered by antigen-antibody complexes.

Alternative Pathway

A complement activation pathway triggered by microbial surfaces.

Lectin Pathway

A complement activation pathway triggered by mannose-binding lectin binding to microbial surfaces.

C3 Convertase

An enzyme complex that cleaves C3 into C3a and C3b, central to all complement pathways.

Membrane Attack Complex (MAC)

A structure formed by complement proteins C5b-C9 that creates a pore in the membrane of target cells, leading to lysis.

Anaphylatoxin

Complement fragments (C3a, C4a, C5a) that induce inflammation and attract phagocytes.

Opsonization

The process by which complement proteins coat pathogens, enhancing phagocytosis.

Hypersensitivity

An exaggerated or inappropriate immune response that causes tissue damage.

Type I Hypersensitivity

Immediate hypersensitivity mediated by IgE, leading to allergic reactions.

Type II Hypersensitivity

Cytotoxic hypersensitivity mediated by IgG or IgM, leading to cell destruction.

Type III Hypersensitivity

Immune complex-mediated hypersensitivity, leading to inflammation and tissue damage.

Type IV Hypersensitivity

Delayed-type hypersensitivity mediated by T cells, leading to inflammation and tissue damage.

Autoimmunity

A condition in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissues.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

An autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies against nuclear components.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

An autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints.

Multiple Sclerosis

An autoimmune disease characterized by demyelination of the central nervous system.

Provide Answer

What type of graft is used when skin is transferred from a person's body to another? a. Isograft b. Allograft c. Autograft d. Xenograft

Provide Answer

Which of the following best describes an epitope? a. A co-stimulatory molecule b. The whole antigen molecule c. A molecule that increases immune suppression d. A small region of an antigen recognized by immune cells

Provide Answer

Which of the following terms describes a substance that can bind to antibodies but cannot elicit an immune response by itself? a. Hapten b. Epitope c. Adjuvant d. Immunogen

Provide Answer

What type of antigen is typically presented by MHC Class II molecules? a. Viral DNA b. Self-antigens c. Exogenous antigens d. Endogenous antigens

Provide Answer

Which of the following is least likely to be immunogenic? a. A hapten alone b. A large foreign protein c. A bacterial polysaccharide d. A protein with multiple epitopes

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)

A herpesvirus that causes infectious mononucleosis and is associated with certain cancers.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

A herpesvirus that can cause serious disease in immunocompromised individuals and congenital infections.

Syphilis

A bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum, diagnosed using tests like VDRL, RPR, and FTA-ABS.

VDRL Test

A non-treponemal test used to screen for syphilis; detects antibodies against cardiolipin.

RPR Test

A rapid plasma reagin test, a non-treponemal test used to screen for syphilis.

FTA-ABS Test

A treponemal test used to confirm syphilis infection by detecting antibodies against Treponema pallidum.

Streptococcal Infections

Infections caused by Streptococcus bacteria, diagnosed using tests like ASO titer and throat culture.

ASO Titer

A test measuring antistreptolysin O antibodies, used to diagnose recent streptococcal infections.

Malaria

A parasitic infection caused by Plasmodium species, diagnosed using blood smear and rapid diagnostic tests.

Toxoplasmosis

A parasitic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii, diagnosed using serological tests for IgM and IgG antibodies.

Toxoplasma IgM

Indicates acute or recent infection with Toxoplasma gondii.

Toxoplasma IgG

Indicates past exposure or chronic infection with Toxoplasma gondii.

Candidiasis

A fungal infection caused by Candida species, diagnosed using culture and microscopic examination.

Aspergillosis

A fungal infection caused by Aspergillus species, diagnosed using culture, serology, and imaging.

Galactomannan Test

A serological test used to detect Aspergillus antigens in the diagnosis of aspergillosis.

Quality Control in Serology

Ensures the accuracy and reliability of serological tests through the use of controls, calibrators, and proficiency testing.

Positive Control

A sample with a known positive result used to validate the accuracy of a serological test.

Negative Control

A sample with a known negative result used to validate the specificity of a serological test.

Proficiency Testing

External assessment of a lab's performance by testing unknown samples to ensure quality.

Provide Answer

Which test is used to confirm syphilis after a positive screening test? a. VDRL b. RPR c. FTA-ABS d. ASO Titer

Provide Answer

What does a positive Toxoplasma IgM indicate? a. Past exposure b. Acute infection c. Immunity d. Chronic latent infection

Provide Answer

Which of the following is a non-treponemal test for syphilis? a. FTA-ABS b. VDRL c. HIV RNA PCR d. Western Blot

Provide Answer

What is the purpose of a positive control in serology? a. To detect false positives b. To validate test accuracy c. To calibrate instruments d. To monitor patient immunity

Provide Answer

Which marker is most useful for diagnosing an acute streptococcal infection? a. ASO Titer b. HBsAg c. Toxoplasma IgG d. p24 Antigen

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus, diagnosed using tests like ELISA, Western Blot, and PCR.

ELISA

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, a screening test used to detect antibodies or antigens.

Western Blot

A confirmatory test used to detect specific proteins, often used for HIV diagnosis.

HIV RNA PCR

A test detecting HIV viral RNA, used for early diagnosis and monitoring viral load.

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)

A virus causing liver infection, diagnosed using HBsAg, anti-HBc, and anti-HBs tests.

HBsAg

Hepatitis B surface antigen, indicates active HBV infection.

Anti-HBc

Antibodies to Hepatitis B core antigen, indicates past or present HBV infection.

Anti-HBs

Antibodies to Hepatitis B surface antigen, indicates immunity from vaccination or past infection.

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)

A virus causing liver infection, diagnosed using anti-HCV antibody tests and HCV RNA PCR.

Anti-HCV

Antibodies to Hepatitis C virus, indicates exposure to HCV.

HCV RNA PCR

A test detecting HCV viral RNA, used to confirm active infection and monitor treatment.

Rheumatoid Factor (RF)

An autoantibody associated with rheumatoid arthritis, detected using latex agglutination or ELISA.

ANA Test

Antinuclear Antibody test, used to screen for autoimmune diseases like lupus.

C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

A marker of inflammation, measured to assess infection or chronic disease activity.

ESR

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, a non-specific test for inflammation.

Complement System

A part of the immune system that enhances antibody responses, measured using CH50 or specific protein tests.