Lecture 13

Question 1

Explain how systemic inflammation helps to trigger an adaptive immune response:

Answer 1

The inflammation results in the recruitment of neutrophils and monocytes (these will transition to macrophages). The inflammation also triggers the activation of macrophages.

Question 2

Explain how the macrophages present the pathogen to the T-cells:

Answer 2

Macrophage travels with the pathogen to the lymph node where it will present it to a T-cell

Question 3

What is the normal lifespan of dendritic cells?

Answer 3

Normally have a lifespan of about 7 days

Question 4

How does the innate immune system lead to recruitment and activation of macrophages?

Answer 4

Triggering of PAMPS, then the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and then the recruitment and activation of dendritic cells.

Question 5

Describe the effects of inflammatory cytokines:

Answer 5

• Induce fever- induces heat shock proteins
• Mobilise metabolites
• Induce shock
• Induce acute-phase proteins

Question 6

How is inflammation normally resolved?

Answer 6

1. Macrophages are responsible for tissue remodelling- first step is to consume all of the neutrophils
2. Transition of macrophages from M1 phase (inflammatory) to M2 (anti-inflammatory) is mediated by TGF-beta and anti-inflammatory cytokines
3. Suppressive activity of Tregs- TGF-beta and anti-inflammatory cytokines

Question 7

How does chronic inflammation normally occur?

Answer 7

Failed resolution of inflammation followed by reactivation (M1 and M2 at the same time)