Immunology Flashcards
Pathogen
A disease causing agent
Cellular pathogen
Pathogens that are made up of cells (bacteria, fungi, protozoa or parasites)
Non-cellular pathogens
Pathogens that do not have cellular structure (ie viruses, toxins, prions)
Antigen
Any substance capable of producing an immune response
Non self antigens
Antigens that are foreign and cause disease
Self antigens
Antigens produced by the host; immune system has tolerance against it
Allergens
Antigens that produce an allergic response
Physical barriers in animals
- Mucous membranes
- INTACT skin
Chemical barriers in animals
- Lysozyme enzymes (skin, tears, sweat)
- Stomach acid
- Digestive enzymes
- Surfactants
Microbiological barriers in animals
Non-pathogenic bacteria: competes with pathogenic bacteria for resource; inhibits disease
Physical barriers in plants
- Cell walls
- Waxy cuticle
- Bark/thorns
Chemical barriers in plants
- Toxins
- Tannins/Flavonoids
- Enzymes
Innate immunity
An immune response that is non-specific protection against pathogens. It has no immunological memory.
Leukocytes
White blood cells that are involved in defending the host in the innate immune response
Phagocytosis
- Phagosome engulfs pathogen via ENDOCYTOSIS
- Lysosome and phagosome fuse –> phagolysosome
- Lysozymes (enzymes) break down the pathogen into fragments
- Fragments expelled via EXOCYTOSIS
