Innate + Adaptive Immunity Flashcards
Compare + contrast adaptive + innate immunity (speed, memory, specificity)
Innate = quick, no memory, non-specific Adaptive = slow, memory, specific
Describe the different mechanical non-specific physical immune defences
- body surface (skin/ fur)
- cilia in respo tract
- air movement in respo tract
- flushing by liquids (tears, urine, diarrhoea)
- mucus as barrier
Describe the different cellular non-specific physical immune defences
- macrophages- function by ingesting + killing microorganisms = phagocytosis
- neutrophils- phagocytic + degranulate
- mast cells/ basophils/ eosinophils- have receptors for Abs + increase vascular permeability
Describe the different molecular non-specific physical immune defences
- defensins
- lysozyme + sweat gland secretions
- MPO system
- Acute phase proteins
- complement system
- interferons
What are defensins + how do they function in the immune system
Small proteins found in many tissues/ cells
Active against bacteria, fungi + viruses by binding to microbe membrane
Important in skin barrier to infections
What are lysozymes + how do they function in the immune system?
Enzymes that attack peptidoglycan cell walls of bacteria
Sites of action = cellular (cytoplasmic granules of macrophages), secreted from epithelial cells, sebum from sebaceous glands
What is the MPO system?
Myeloperoxidase
Enzyme found in lysosomes in granulocytes + macrophages
Kills bacteria/ pathogens by production of toxic hydrochlorite + singlet oxygen
What role does commensal bacteria play in innate immunity?
- inhabit mucosal surfaces in GI/ respo systems + skin
- prevent attachment of pathogenic bacteria + block their invasion + infection
Which 2 cells make up the adaptive immune system
T + B cell lymphocytes
Define ‘antigen’
any molecule that can bind specifically to an Ab or Ag receptor
Define ‘epitope’
site on an Ag recognised by Ab or Ag receptor
Define ‘antibody’
protein that binds specifically to a particular substance
