MDL244 - Module 1 Learning Objectives

Outline the function of the immune system

To prevent pathogens from entering the body,

Compare and contrast the natural and adaptive components of the immune system

Natural components are non-specific, involves myeloid

Adaptive are specific, involves lymphoid

Define the term antigen

A molecule that binds to antibodies or T cell receptors

Analyze antibody function and the differing antibody classes

Allogeneic: Nonself antigens

Autologous: Self antigens

Haptens are partial antigens that require a carrier molecule to elicit an immune response, ie. medications

Antigenic determinants (epitopes) are part of an antigen that elicit a specific antibody to respond

Distinguish the attributes of the primary and secondary immune responses

Primary: 1st line of defense, non-specific, involves skin barrier and mucosal membranes that prevent pathogens from entering, and chemicals like sweat and sebum that enhance protection

Secondary: 2nd line of defense, non-specific, involves leukocytes performing phagocytosis, chemical defenses like lysozymes and complement system, inflammation, fever

Identify the cellular and humoral components of the immune response and their functions

Cellular: Helper T Lymphocyte and Cytotoxic T lymphocyte, responds to intracellular microbes and phagocytized microbes that may live in macrophages

Humoral: B lymphocyte, responds to extracellular microbes, secretes antibodies

Outline the physiologic activities of the complement system

Complex web of regulatory proteins that signal among all the cell types of the immune system, ie. cytokine network

Consists of a classic pathway, alternative pathway, and Mannose-binding lectin pathway

A component of the natural immune system, crucial for defense from microbial infections, a link between innate and adaptive immunity, enhance immunologic memory, and clear immune complexes from tissues and apoptotic (injured) cells

Analyze immune deficiencies and disorders

SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus) - autoimmune disorder, anti-nuclear antibodies and nuclear antigens form complexes that spread throughout the body and deposit into various tissues; these immune complexes elicit inflammation and immune mechanisms causing cell injury; diagnosed by Indirect Immunofluorescence, different staining patterns reflect specific diagnosis

RA (rheumatoid arthritis) - autoimmune disorder, primarily affects synovial joint tissue, IgM antibodies are targeting the Fc component of IgG (anti-IgG antibody known as rheumatoid factor (RF)) resulting in immune complexes; complement cascade is activated by immune complexes that lead to tissue damage

Immunoproliferative disorders - Leukemias, lymphomas, plasma cell disorders

Immunodeficiency disorders - Primary (genetic), and Acquired (caused by external factors) ex: HIV, AIDS

Identify serologic techniques used in immunologic testing

Labeled assays - Precipitation and agglutination reactions, produce cross-linking of antigens, low sensitivity by easy and inexpensive, Affinity and avidity

Unlabeled assays - Diffusion of antibody and antigen in gel media intersecting to form precipitation zones

Labeled Immunoassays - Increased sensitivity, involves Direct, Indirect, Competitive, and Sandwich assays

Analyze specific infectious diseases and the corresponding immune response

Bacterial - Ex. Strep and syphillis. If untreated, causes a chronic disease w/ symptomatic and asymptomatic periods

Vector Bourne - Ex. Lyme’s disease and West Nile virus. Emerging infectious disease

Parasitic - Ex. Toxoplasmosis and Giardia. Have resistant body walls, may avoid being phagocytized because of the ability to move away from inflamed area

Fungal - Ex. Cocci and Histoplasmosis. Immune response may range from minor respiratory episode to fatal, violent hypersensitivity reaction

Viral, Rickettsial, and Mycoplasma - Ex. Herpes, Rubella, and Hepatitis. May alter the immune system’s ability to respond