Humoral components of the immune system Flashcards
what produces antibodies/immunoglobulins?
plasma cells
what to antibodies/immunoglobulins do?
specifically bind to foreign antigens
Where is the antigen-binding site located?
in the hyper-variable region
how do IgS limit spread and activate host responses?
form immune complexes with pathogen
what are the 5 types of IgS
IgM, IgG, IgA, IgE and IgD
where are the constant region of Igs able to bind to?
Fc receptors on mononuclear cells, neutrophils, NK cells, mast cells
what region activates complement
constant region
functions of complement
key component of innate immune system and enhances adaptive immune responses
opsonise microorganisms to enhance (complement) antibody-mediated responses
triggers and amplifies inflammatory reactions
what does complement opsonisation do?
opsonisation attracts and activation of phagocytes for microbial killing
complement antibody-mediated responses
performs direct microbial killing by cell lysis
what are cytokines?
small soluble proteins that act as intercellular messengers to enable communication between immune cells
control amplification and duration of a targeted immune response
biologically active at low concentrations
act transiently and locally; bind to receptors on target cell membranes
multiple effects on target cells; often redundant and tightly-controlled
how are extracellular pathogens spread
the lymphatics and bloodstream
how are intracellular pathogens spread
cell to cell contact
