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Agglutination

  • Definition: Agglutination refers to the process where particles, often pathogens or blood cells, clump together. This can occur due to antibodies binding to antigens on the surface of the particles.

Nephelometry

  • Definition: Nephelometry is a laboratory technique used to measure the scattering of light by suspended particles in a solution. It is commonly used to assess the concentration of proteins or other substances in a liquid.

Luminol

  • Definition: Luminol is a chemical compound utilized in chemiluminescence, primarily in forensic science to detect trace amounts of blood. Upon oxidation, it produces light, which can be measured or visualized.

Organs Affected by Disease

  • Disease effects on organs are patterns of symptoms and organ dysfunction typical of autoimmune diseases.

Autoimmunity – Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

  • Definition: SLE is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organ systems. The body produces antibodies against its own tissues.
  • Symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, and skin rashes.

Controversial Terms/Components in Autoimmunity

  • FANA (Fluorescent Antinuclear Antibody): A test used to detect antibodies that affect the nuclei of cells. A positive result may indicate the presence of an autoimmune disorder.
  • Anti-Cup RA: Refers to anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies, associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
  • RF Factor: Rheumatoid factor is an antibody that can be present in people with rheumatoid arthritis as well as other diseases.

Types of Immune Responses

  • Hypersensitivity: Also known as an exaggerated immune response that can lead to tissue damage. There are two main types:
    • Antibody-mediated hypersensitivity: Involves antibodies binding to antigens in tissues.
    • Cell-mediated hypersensitivity: Involves T-cells (T lymphocytes) directly attacking body tissues.

Phagocytosis

  • Phagocytosis is the process by which certain cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils, engulf and digest pathogens or debris.
    • Steps in Phagocytosis:
    1. Recognition of particles through receptors.
    2. Engulfment of the particles into a phagosome.
    3. Fusion of the phagosome with lysosomes to form a phagolysosome.
    4. Digestion of the particles by enzymes.
    5. Exocytosis of indigestible residues.

Chemotaxis

  • Definition: Chemotaxis involves the movement of cells toward a chemical stimulus, often seen in immune responses where white blood cells migrate toward sites of infection.

Diapedesis

  • Definition: Diapedesis is the process by which blood cells move out of the circulation and into tissues, particularly through the endothelial cells of blood vessels.

T-Cells

  • Subsets of T-cells:
    • CD4+ T cells: Often referred to as T helper cells, they assist other cells in the immune response.
    • CD8+ T cells: Known as cytotoxic T cells, they can directly destroy infected or cancerous cells.
  • T-cell markers can be analyzed using flow cytometry.

B-Cells

  • B-cell Markers: Common markers include CD19 and CD20.
  • Characteristics of Antibodies:
    • Example: IgG is an antibody that can cross the placenta, providing passive immunity to the fetus.
  • Immune Responses:
    • Primary Response: The initial immune response upon first exposure to an antigen.
    • Secondary Response: An enhanced response upon subsequent exposure to the same antigen, characterized by faster production of antibodies.
  • B-cells → Plasma Cells: Upon activation, B-cells can differentiate into plasma cells that produce large amounts of antibodies.

Medications for Control

  • Various medications can be used to modulate immune response such as immunosuppressants in autoimmune diseases or treatments for allergy symptoms.

Acquired Immune Response

  • Definition: The acquired immune response is a specific immune response developed over time following exposure to antigens that can include memory cells for quicker future responses.

Complement Cascade

  • Definition: The complement cascade is a series of proteins in the blood that enhance the immune system's ability to fight infections, either by directly killing pathogens or marking them for destruction by other immune cells.