An Introduction to immunology (physiology) Flashcards
A protein molecule that binds with high affinity to specific antigens:
Antibody
A substance that can bind to an antibody or T-cell receptor. Can be self or non-self:
Antigen
The specific surface feature of an antigen that binds to the antibody:
Epitope
The process by which cells “expose” or “present” an antigen to other cells of the immune system:
Antigen presentation
Small signalling proteins that regulate the activity of the immune system, by interacting with specific cytokine receptors on target cells:
Cytokines
A substance that binds to a pathogen making it more susceptible to phagocytosis:
Opsonin
A cell type that can internalise substances and microorganisms to inactive/kill them:
Phagocyte
A type of immune cell that contains granules within the cytoplasm. These granules are filled with protein-based signalling molecules, and can be released in response to specific signals:
Granulocyte
Nomenclature system used for the purposes of immunophenotyping cells:
Cluster of differentiation
A protein complex that presents an antigen to other cells of the immune system:
Major histocompatibility complex (MHC)
What are the three arms of the immune system? (6)
•Physical barriers
-Chemical, mechanical and biological barriers.
• Innate immune system
-Pattern recognition receptors, phagocytes, NK cells…
•Adaptive immune system
-T-cells, B-cells and antibodies
Note:Specificity increases as you go down.
What are some of the examples of the physical barriers of the immune system?
Mechanical-Skin, flushing.
Chemical-Peptides, acids and enzymes.
Biological-Commensal flora in various body compartments.
What are active phase proteins?
Proteins secreted by the liver in response to cytokines (IL-1, IL-6 and TNFa) released by pro-inflammatory immune cells.
What are the three acute phase proteins and which role do they each play? (6)
-Serum amyloid A: Recruit immune cells to inflammatory sites and induce enzyme that degrade the extracellular matrix.
-Lactoferrin- Bind to iron in order to reduce free iron to pathogens and tumour cells.
-C reactive proteins- activate complement, induces apoptosis and phagocytosis.
Which two types of antigens are recognised by the pattern recognition receptors in the innate immune system? (2)
Pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and Damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs)