T-cell biochemistry

Question 1

All lymphoid lineages start life in the bone marrow, receiving signals from stromal cells.

Answer 1

T-cells mature in the thymus, regulatory and cytotoxic (can further differentiate depending on specific signals)
B-cells mature in bone marrow & produce antibodies.
NK-cells mature in bone marrow but also secondary lymphoid tissues. Cytotoxic.

Question 2

What can antibodies not combat effectively?

Answer 2

intracellular pathogens, bacteria & viruses. Tumours. Thus, the immune system needs something - T-cell.

Question 3

Describe the T-cell receptor.

Answer 3

10(5) T-cell receptors on the surface the T-cell. Consists of 2 polypeptide chains; Majority - ⍺β T-cells
Minority - 𝛾δ T-cells
Each chain has 2 domains, v & c, linked by disulphide bond.
Hydrophobic transmembrane domain and a very short cytoplasmic tail.

Question 4

MHC meaning

Answer 4

Major, histocompatibility complex.