Basic Concepts In The Immune Response Flashcards
(17 cards)
Why do we need an immune system?
- Attack from outside: defence against pathogens eg. Bacteria, viruses
- Attack from inside: defense against self eg. Cancer
What are points of entry by pathogens ?
- Respiratory system
- Digestive system
- Urogenital tract
- Break in skin
What are routes of attack by pathogens ?
- Circulatory system
- Lymph system
What are the 3 lines of defence in the immune response?
- Non-specific external defense
- Non-specific inflammatory response
- Specific immune response
What does the non-specific external defence consist of?
- Barriers- skin
- Traps- mucous membranes, ear wax
- Elimination- coughing, sneezing
- Unfavourable environments- stomach acid, sweat
- Lysozyme enzymes- tears, sweat
What is innate immunity ?
Immunity that is present and active from birth.
It is non-specific and fast acting.
What is adaptive immunity ?
It develops after exposure to agents such as microbes, toxins and other foreign substances.
It is highly specific
What are the two primary lymphoid organs ?
- Bone marrow- produces all blood cells
- Thymus- T-lymphocyte maturation and selection
What are primary lymphoid organs ?
Where immune cells and produced and mature
What are secondary lymphoid organs ?
Where mature lymphocytes encounter antigens, become activated and inniate immune responses
What are the main secondary lymphoid organs ?
- Lymph nodes
- Spleen
- Mucosal associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)- includes tonsils, appendix
What is active immunity ?
Develops when the body is exposed to an antigen from a pathogen, leading to production of antibodies and memory cells
What is passive immunity ?
It is gained by the transfer of antibodies from another source eg. From mother to baby via the placenta
What is artificial passive immunity?
Occurs when antibodies are given via injection eg. Immunoglobulin therapy for immediate protection from rabies
What are differences between the primary and secondary immune responses?
- Secondary has a much faster response time
- Memory cells are involved in the secondary response
- The secondary response is much stronger
What can cause disruption of the immune system?
- Allergy eg. Asthma
- Autoimmune diseases
- Immune system avoidance eg. Influenza
- Latency eg. HIV
- Cancer eg. HPV
What is the danger model ? Who came up with this ?
The immune response is triggered by danger signals from damaged tissues.
Matzinger and Mirkwood. Controversial because Mirkwood is a dog.
