Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

Immunopathology > AI Flashcards > Flashcards

AI Flashcards

(118 cards)

Start Studying
1
Q

What are the two types of immune systems?

A

Innate (non-specific) and Adaptive (specific)

Innate immunity is fast and has no memory, while adaptive immunity is slow and has memory.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Define pathogen.

A

Disease-causer (e.g., bacteria, virus, fungi, parasites)

Pathogens are organisms or agents that can cause disease.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What triggers an immune response?

A

Antigen

An antigen is anything foreign that the immune system recognizes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is the primary organ responsible for making blood cells?

A

Bone marrow

Bone marrow is where B cells mature.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the function of the thymus?

A

T cell maturation

The thymus is crucial for developing T cells, which are essential for adaptive immunity.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Name three secondary organs of the immune system.

A

Lymph nodes, Spleen, MALT

These organs play roles in filtering lymph and blood and guarding mucosal surfaces.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

List the types of white blood cells (WBCs).

A
  • Neutrophils
  • Monocytes/Macrophages
  • Dendritic cells
  • Lymphocytes (B, T cells)
  • NK cells
  • Eosinophils
  • Basophils

WBCs are essential for immune responses and defense against pathogens.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are the main molecules involved in the immune response?

A
  • Antibodies
  • Cytokines
  • Chemokines
  • Complement proteins

These molecules are critical for communication and action in the immune system.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is innate immunity?

A

Second line defense, present at birth, fast, no memory

Innate immunity includes immediate responses to pathogens.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are phagocytes?

A

Cells that engulf and destroy invaders

Phagocytes communicate using cytokines and attract other immune cells via chemokines.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the role of Natural Killer (NK) cells?

A

Kill virus-infected or cancer cells

NK cells perform immune surveillance without needing antigens.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What are the classic signs of acute inflammation?

A

Redness, heat, swelling, pain

These signs indicate an immune response to injury or infection.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is the complement system?

A

~30 proteins that are inactive until triggered

The complement system has functions such as lysis of microbes, opsonization, and inflammation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What causes fever in the immune response?

A

Pyrogens from WBCs/macrophages

Pyrogens act on the hypothalamus to raise body temperature.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What are antimicrobial proteins?

A

Proteins that directly attack microbes or slow reproduction

Examples include interferons and complement proteins.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Fill in the blank: The _______ system involves approximately 30 proteins that become active upon triggering.

A

complement

The complement system is crucial for enhancing the immune response.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

True or False: Adaptive immunity is characterized by a fast response and no memory.

A

False

Adaptive immunity is slow but has memory.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What is a pathogen?

A

An agent that causes or generates disease

Includes microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi; parasites like dust mites and nematodes; and foreign particles/substances like proteins and pollen.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Define antigen.

A

A substance that has the ability to provoke an immune response

Can include foreign molecules such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What are the primary lymphoid organs?

A
  • Bone marrow
  • Thymus

Bone marrow is the site of hematopoiesis and B-cell maturation; thymus is the site of T-cell maturation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What are the secondary lymphoid organs?

A
  • Lymph nodes
  • Spleen
  • Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)

Lymph nodes filter lymph; spleen filters blood; MALT protects mucosal surfaces.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

List the cellular components of the immune system.

A
  • Neutrophils
  • Lymphocytes (B and T cells)
  • Monocytes/macrophages
  • Eosinophils
  • Basophils
  • Natural killer (NK) cells

These are various types of white blood cells (WBCs) involved in immune responses.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What is the first line of defense in the immune system?

A

Surface barrier

This includes physical barriers such as skin and mucous membranes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What is the second line of defense in the immune system?

A

Innate Immunity

Non-specific protection against foreign materials or cells that is present at birth.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
What are the components of innate immunity?
* Phagocytes * Natural Killer cells * Inflammation * Antimicrobial proteins * Fever ## Footnote These components work together to provide immediate defense against pathogens.
26
What is the role of phagocytes?
Detection, phagocytosis, and elimination of foreign substances ## Footnote They also communicate with other defense cells via cytokines and attract other immune cells with chemokines.
27
True or False: Natural Killer cells are responsible for recognizing and destroying abnormal cells.
True ## Footnote NK cells perform immune surveillance and target cells that appear abnormal.
28
What does the complement system refer to?
A group of around 30 glycoproteins present in plasma/serum and on cell membranes ## Footnote Normally remain in an inactive state and are part of innate immunity.
29
List the four basic functions of the complement system.
* Lysis of target cells * Facilitate antigen clearance (opsonisation) * Generate inflammatory response (anaphylatoxins) * Clearance of immune complexes ## Footnote These functions help in eliminating pathogens and modulating the immune response.
30
What are the three pathways to activate the complement cascade?
* Classical pathway * Alternative pathway * Lectin pathway ## Footnote Each pathway leads to the formation of a membrane attack complex (MAC).
31
What initiates the classical complement pathway?
Formation of soluble antigen-antibody complexes or binding of antibody to antigen ## Footnote It is only activated by specific immunoglobulins (IgM, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3).
32
What initiates the alternative complement pathway?
Cell surface constituents foreign to the host ## Footnote Free C3b can bind to foreign cell walls and viruses.
33
What is the role of mannose-binding lectin in the lectin complement pathway?
It binds to carbohydrate molecules (mannose) present on pathogens ## Footnote Pathogens include Salmonella, Candida albicans, Influenza A, and Leishmania.
34
Fill in the blank: Pyrogens act on the body’s _______ to raise the body’s temperature above normal.
thermostat ## Footnote This is a cluster of neurons in the hypothalamus.
35
What are antimicrobial proteins?
Proteins that enhance innate defenses by attacking microorganisms directly or hindering their reproduction ## Footnote Examples include interferons and complement proteins.
36
What is an antigen?
A substance that has the ability to provoke an immune response ## Footnote Antigens are recognized by T cells when presented by MHC molecules.
37
What is the role of antigen presenting cells (APCs)?
Mediate the cellular immune response and present antigen to T cells ## Footnote Examples of APCs include dendritic cells, macrophages, and B lymphocytes.
38
What is the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)?
A group of genes that encode cell surface proteins essential for the immune system to recognize and respond to foreign antigens ## Footnote In humans, MHC is referred to as HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) and is located on chromosome 6.
39
What is the structure of MHC Class I?
Composed of one alpha chain and one beta-2 microglobulin, with three domains (α1, α2, α3) ## Footnote The peptide-binding groove is located between α1 and α2.
40
Where is MHC Class I found?
On the surface of all nucleated cells ## Footnote It presents endogenous antigens recognized by CD8+ Cytotoxic T cells.
41
What is the function of MHC Class II?
Presents exogenous antigens and is recognized by CD4+ Helper T cells ## Footnote MHC Class II is found on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) such as dendritic cells, macrophages, and B cells.
42
Fill in the blank: MHC Class I presents _______ antigens.
endogenous
43
What pathway do MHC Class I molecules follow for antigen presentation?
Pathogens are degraded by the proteasome, peptides are transported to the ER via TAP, and loaded onto MHC Class I molecules ## Footnote The complex is then transported to the cell surface.
44
How are antigens presented by MHC Class II processed?
Extracellular antigens are endocytosed and degraded in endosomes/lysosomes ## Footnote MHC Class II molecules are synthesized in the ER and bound to the invariant chain to prevent premature peptide binding.
45
What is the role of HLA-DM in MHC Class II processing?
Facilitates the exchange of CLIP for the antigenic peptide ## Footnote This occurs after the invariant chain is degraded in endosomes.
46
What is the primary way immunity to bacteria is achieved?
By antibodies ## Footnote Phagocytic cells can clear bacteria that are introduced in low numbers or are weakly pathogenic.
47
Which immune response is primarily involved in clearing fungal infections?
Phagocytosis ## Footnote The lectin pathway of complement can also clear fungal infections.
48
True or False: IgA prevents mucosal entry and re-infection by viruses.
True
49
What are the mechanisms involved in the immune response to viral agents?
Induction of IFNα and IFNβ, activation of Natural Killer cells, antibody neutralization, and cytotoxic T cells ## Footnote IgM, IgG, and IgA play roles in preventing viral fusion and enhancing phagocytosis.
50
What is the lifecycle of the malaria parasite starting from sporozoites?
Sporozoites enter the bloodstream, infect the liver, proliferate into merozoites, and then infect red blood cells ## Footnote Merozoites can also differentiate into male and female gametocytes.
51
Fill in the blank: Antibodies block invasion of _______ into liver cells.
sporozoites
52
What immune responses are involved in clearing malaria?
Antibodies block invasion, IFN-γ and CD8 T cells inhibit parasite development, and NK cells kill parasitized cells ## Footnote This occurs in both RBCs and hepatocytes.
53
What is the role of T cells in relation to antigens?
T cells can’t 'see' antigens directly
54
How must antigens be presented to T cells?
Antigens must be presented by APCs using MHC molecules
55
How do B cells interact with antigens?
B cells can bind whole antigens directly
56
What is the function of antigen presenting cells (APCs)?
Present antigen to T cells to start adaptive immunity
57
Name three key types of antigen presenting cells (APCs).
* Dendritic cells * Macrophages * B cells
58
What does MHC stand for?
Major Histocompatibility Complex
59
What is the human version of MHC called?
HLA (on Chromosome 6)
60
What is the primary role of MHC molecules?
Presents antigen fragments to T cells
61
What does MHC Class I present?
Endogenous antigens (from inside cells, e.g. virus)
62
Where is MHC Class I found?
On all nucleated cells
63
Which T cells recognize MHC Class I?
CD8+ Cytotoxic T cells
64
Outline the pathway for MHC Class I.
* Proteins chopped by proteasome * Peptides go to ER via TAP * Loaded onto MHC I * Sent to cell surface
65
What does MHC Class II present?
Exogenous antigens (from outside, e.g. bacteria)
66
Where is MHC Class II found?
Only on APCs
67
Which T cells recognize MHC Class II?
CD4+ Helper T cells
68
Outline the pathway for MHC Class II.
* Antigen endocytosed, broken in lysosome * MHC II made in ER + Invariant Chain (Ii) * In lysosome, Ii → CLIP (placeholder) * HLA-DM swaps CLIP for real peptide * Complex goes to surface
69
What are the main methods for clearing bacteria in immune responses?
* Antibodies (main) * Phagocytes if weak/small amount
70
What are the functions of antibodies in response to bacteria?
* Neutralize toxins * Remove bacteria
71
What defenses are employed against fungi?
* Phagocytosis * Complement pathways (esp. Lectin) * Adaptive immune cells later
72
What non-specific mechanisms are used to respond to viruses?
* IFN-α, IFN-β, NK cells → inhibit viral spread * Cytokines create 'antiviral state' in nearby cells
73
What specific antibodies are involved in the adaptive response to viruses?
* IgA = mucosal protection * IgM, IgG = block viral entry, agglutinate, activate complement
74
What do CD8+ T cells do in response to viral infections?
Kill infected cells
75
What role does IFN-γ play in viral infections?
Cytotoxic effect
76
How do macrophages and NK cells respond to viral infections?
Kill infected cells
77
What happens during a malaria infection?
Sporozoites infect liver → become merozoites in RBCs
78
What is the immune defense against malaria?
* Antibodies block entry to liver/RBCs * CD8+ T cells, IFN-γ kill infected liver cells * NK cells kill infected RBCs & hepatocytes
79
What is the main characteristic of adaptive immunity?
Highly specific, has memory, and adapts over time ## Footnote Adaptive immunity starts slower and improves with re-exposure, activated after innate immunity.
80
What are the key features of adaptive immunity?
* Specificity – targets exact antigen * Memory – stronger, faster on 2nd exposure * Diversity – can recognize many different antigens * Self vs. Non-self – avoids attacking your own cells ## Footnote These features ensure that the immune system can effectively respond to various pathogens.
81
What is active immunity?
Immunity from infection or vaccine with long-term memory ## Footnote Active immunity develops as a result of exposure to an antigen.
82
What is passive immunity?
Immunity from another source (e.g., maternal antibodies); temporary ## Footnote Passive immunity provides immediate protection but does not create memory.
83
What are the two branches of adaptive immunity?
* Cell-Mediated * Humoral ## Footnote Each branch targets different types of pathogens.
84
Which cells mediate cell-mediated immunity?
T cells (CD4/CD8) ## Footnote This branch primarily targets intracellular pathogens such as viruses and cancer cells.
85
What is the primary role of humoral immunity?
B cells + Abs target extracellular pathogens (bacteria, toxins) ## Footnote This branch involves the production of antibodies.
86
What are the key steps in humoral immunity?
* B cell receptor binds antigen * Helper T cell assists * B cell → plasma cell → makes antibodies (Abs) ## Footnote These steps are crucial for the production of antibodies that neutralize pathogens.
87
What are the functions of antibodies?
* Neutralize pathogens * Opsonization (tag for phagocytes) * Activate complement ## Footnote Antibodies help in identifying and eliminating pathogens.
88
What is the structure of antibodies (immunoglobulins)?
* Y-shaped protein * 2 heavy chains, 2 light chains * Variable region = binds Ag * Constant region = defines function ## Footnote The structure is essential for the antibody's ability to recognize and bind to specific antigens.
89
What are the classes of immunoglobulins and their functions (mnemonic: 'MAGDE')?
* IgM – 1st responder * IgA – Mucosal defense, newborn passive immunity * IgG – Most abundant, long-term immunity * IgD – B cell receptor * IgE – Allergy and parasites ## Footnote Each class of immunoglobulin has distinct roles in the immune response.
90
What is the difference between primary and secondary immune responses?
* Primary: slow, weak * Secondary: fast, strong (due to memory cells) ## Footnote The secondary response is significantly more efficient due to the presence of memory cells.
91
What is the step-by-step process of cell-mediated immunity?
* Antigen presented by APC on MHC * CD8+ Cytotoxic T cell → kills infected cells (apoptosis) * CD4+ Helper T cell → releases cytokines to activate other cells (e.g., B cells, CD8, macrophages) ## Footnote This process is essential for targeting and destroying infected or abnormal cells.
92
What are the roles of different T cell types?
* CD4+ (Helper) – Coordinates immune response (via cytokines) * CD4+ (Regulatory) – Suppresses immune overreaction * CD8+ (Cytotoxic) – Kills infected/abnormal cells * Memory T cells – React faster next time ## Footnote Each T cell type plays a unique role in maintaining immune balance and effectiveness.
93
What is adaptive immunity?
A highly specific defense mechanism of the immune system that develops after exposure to pathogens or foreign substances (antigens).
94
What are the key features of adaptive immunity?
* Specificity * Memory * Diversity * Self vs. Non-Self Recognition
95
What are the two types of adaptive immunity?
* Active Immunity * Passive Immunity
96
What is active immunity?
Acquired through infection or vaccination, resulting in long-term protection.
97
What is passive immunity?
Acquired through the transfer of antibodies, providing temporary protection.
98
What branches make up adaptive immunity?
* Humoral immunity * Cell mediated immunity
99
Which cells mediate humoral immunity?
B lymphocytes (B cells).
100
What do B lymphocytes produce?
Antibodies that circulate in bodily fluids.
101
What do T lymphocytes target?
Intracellular pathogens and abnormal cells.
102
What are memory B cells?
Cells that provide long-term immunity by responding rapidly to future exposures to the same antigen.
103
What happens upon antigen binding to B cells?
B cells become activated, often with help from Helper T cells.
104
What do activated B cells differentiate into?
Plasma cells that secrete antibodies.
105
What is the function of antibodies?
* Neutralize pathogens * Promote opsonization * Activate the complement system
106
What is another term for antibodies?
γ-globulin or immunoglobulin.
107
What are the components of an antibody structure?
* 2 heavy chains * 2 light chains * Constant and variable regions
108
What is the first responder antibody during an infection?
IgM.
109
What is the most abundant antibody critical for long-term immunity?
IgG.
110
What is the role of IgA?
Protects mucosal surfaces and is key in passive immunity to newborns.
111
What do memory T cells provide?
Long-lasting immunity and faster response upon re-exposure to the same antigen.
112
What are antigen-presenting cells (APCs)?
Cells that display antigens on their surface using MHC molecules to activate T cells.
113
What is the role of cytotoxic T cells (CD8+ T cells)?
Destroy infected or abnormal cells by inducing apoptosis.
114
What do helper T cells (CD4+ T cells) do?
Coordinate the immune response by releasing cytokines.
115
What are the two major populations of T cells?
* CD4 T cells * CD8 T cells
116
What do activated CD4 cells usually become?
Helper T (TH) cells.
117
What do CD8 cells become when activated?
Cytotoxic T (TC) cells.
118
True or False: Memory T cells can be formed from activated CD4 and CD8 cells.
True.

Immunopathology (15 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions