IHS 340 Final Exam Review Notes

Overview of Key Concepts for IHS 340 Exam

Cytokines

  • Characteristics of Cytokines:

    • Bind to specific receptors (E).

    • Act locally but can have systemic effects.

    • Involved in signaling pathways in the immune response.

Infectious Agents

  • Black Plague:

    • Caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis (C).

    • Transmission often via rat fleas (B).

Immune Signaling Events

  • Chronological Order of Events:

    1. Extracellular ligand binding to receptor (I).

    2. Change in intracellular/cytoplasmic signaling (II).

    3. Generation of second messenger molecules (V).

    4. Changes in transcription/translation (III).

    5. Change in biological activity of the cell (IV).

  • Correct Order: I - II - V - III - IV (D).

Immune Cells and Allergic Responses

  • Cells Acting in Allergic Responses:

    • Th2 cells (C) influence allergic responses by directing the immune system.

  • Cytokines in Allergies:

    • IL-13 signals goblet cells for mucus production (D).

    • IL-4 and IL-13 signal isotype switching from IgG to IgE.

    • TGF-β prevents hypersensitivity and helps maintain homeostasis.

Viral Infections and Transmission

  • Decrease Transmission of Respiratory Viral Infections:

    • Effective measures include disinfection, masking, and good ventilation (E).

Epitopes in Immunity

  • Antibody Binding:

    • A single IgG molecule binds to 1 type of epitope (A).

Antibody Characteristics

  • Antibodies are proteins that may be:

    • Secreted or cell surface bound (D).

    • They possess disulfide bonds and undergo genomic rearrangement (C).

Cells and Immune Responses

  • IgG1 Secretion:

    • Secreted by B cells (E).

  • Presenting Antigens:

    • Dendritic cells present antigens to T cells (B).

Allergens and Reactions

  • Allergens:

    • Allergens can possess enzymatic activity damaging the epithelium (C).

    • Some airborne allergens can activate ILC2 cells (D).

  • Anaphylaxis:

    • Severe allergic reaction mediated by IgE that requires urgent treatment with epinephrine (C).

Immune Development and Hypotheses

  • Atopic March:

    • Describes progression of allergic diseases from dermatitis to asthma and rhinitis (C).

    • Related to the hygiene hypothesis indicating immune development related to environment and pathogen exposure.

Epidemiological Insights

  • Households with pets generally have a lower incidence of allergies (C).

Public Health and Infectious Disease Management

  • Public Health Measures:

    • Handwashing is a core intervention against infectious diseases (C).

    • Effective measures include clean water and waste disposal (A, C).

T Cell Interactions

  • T Cell Activation:

    • T cells interact with antigen-MHCII complexes using their T-cell receptor (E).

Summary of Key Cytokines

  • Cytokines Related to Th2 Responses:

    • IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 are key cytokines involved in allergic signaling and responses related to Th2 cells.

Overview of Treatments

  • Oral Immunotherapy: Aims to provide a safe exposure to allergens (E).

  • Rescue Inhalers: Commonly contain short-acting beta agonists (C).

  • Dextromethorphan: Serves as a cough suppressant (B).