Immunology and Vaccines Flashcards
What is immunity?
The condition of being immune; security against a particular disease; nonsusceptibility to the invasive or pathogenic effects of microorganisms, toxic effects of antigenic substances, or helminth parasites.
What are antigens?
Any substances that cause antibody production. Usually proteins.
ex: Pollen, bacteria.
What are antibodies?
Proteins that bind antigens and neutralize them. Produced by B-lymphocytes.
What is innate immunity?
The form of non-specific immunity animals are born with that is composed of physical (Skin, mucus production, respiratory tract cilia) and chemical (Body temp., HCL secretion) barriers that mounts an immediate response when antigens are detected.
What is adaptive immunity?
The form of antibody-dependent, specific immune response that results in memory and increases in strength and effectiveness with more exposure or a higher antigen dose.
*Effectiveness depends on health, genetics, and innate immunity.
What is passive immunity?
The transfer of antibodies from a donor in which they were produced to a recipient. Confers temporary immunity.
ex: Colostrum.
What is active immunity?
The immunity that follows exposure to an antigen and results in antibody formation and the formation of other active immune response related cells.
What is IgM?
The antibody that is the first to respond to antigens.
*Systemic.
What is IgG?
The antibody that is produced by the adaptive immune system or is in circulation from a previous response.
*Systemic.
What is IgA?
The antibody that provides localized immune responses in the GI tract, respiratory tract, and conjunctiva.
What is IgE?
The antibody responsible for causing inflammation and responding to parasitic infections.
*Systemic.
**Too much can cause anaphylaxis.
What is IgD?
The antibody that may activate B lymphocytes.
What are the characteristics of a primary immune response?
- Slow response.
- Majority IgM.
- Weak response.
- Low Abs titer.
- Abs detected for a short period of time.
- Longer and more severe illness.
- Initial exposure to the antigen.
- Does not generate memory.
What are the characteristics of a secondary immune response?
- Rapid response.
- Majority IgG.
- Strong response.
- High Abs titer.
- Abs detected for months to years.
- Shorter and less severe illness.
- Secondary exposure.
- Generates memory.
What are titers?
A measurement of the levels of antibodies in circulation. Normally a blood test.
When will IgM be detected in a titer?
- After initial vaccination.
- After recent exposure.
When will IgG be detected in a titer?
- After a booster vaccine.
- After disease exposure or recovery (depending on how long the antibodies stick around).
- During a current disease.
Why are vaccines given to young animals in a series?
To ensure that the maternal antibodies have cleared the system and are not combating the virus, leaving the individual immunocompromised.
Why is vaccinating young animals a balancing act?
If the vaccineis given too early, the maternal antibodies neutralize it. If the vaccine is given too late, the animal is at risk for natural infection.