Immune Flashcards
(15 cards)
What is the primary immune cell involved in the initial response to bacterial invasion in periodontal tissues?
Neutrophils. They are the first responders to bacterial invasion and play a crucial role in controlling infection.
Which cytokine is predominantly associated with bone resorption in periodontitis?
IL-1β. It is a key pro-inflammatory cytokine that promotes osteoclast activation and bone resorption.
How do Th17 cells contribute to periodontal destruction?
Th17 cells secrete IL-17, which promotes neutrophil recruitment and amplifies inflammation, contributing to tissue damage.
What is the function of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in periodontitis?
MMPs degrade extracellular matrix components, leading to connective tissue destruction.
What role do T regulatory cells (Tregs) play in periodontitis?
Tregs help inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokine production (e.g., IL-10, TGF-β) and maintain immune homeostasis.
Which bacterial component activates Toll-like receptors in periodontal tissues?
Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from Gram-negative bacteria trigger Toll-like receptor activation, initiating inflammation.
How does IL-6 contribute to periodontal tissue destruction?
IL-6 promotes inflammation and enhances osteoclastogenesis, leading to bone resorption.
What is the primary antibody involved in the immune response against periodontal pathogens?
IgG is the dominant antibody in periodontal tissues and is involved in opsonization and complement activation.
What is the effect of RANKL expression in periodontal tissues?
RANKL promotes osteoclast differentiation and activity, leading to alveolar bone loss.
What immune mechanism is primarily responsible for the chronic inflammatory state in periodontitis?
Persistent antigenic stimulation by bacterial pathogens sustains chronic inflammation and tissue destruction.
What is the significance of cytokine IL-8 in periodontitis?
IL-8 is a chemokine that recruits neutrophils to the site of infection, intensifying inflammatory response.
Which cells produce RANKL in the periodontal lesion?
Activated T cells, osteoblasts, and fibroblasts are primary sources of RANKL, driving bone resorption.
How does IL-10 function in the context of periodontitis?
IL-10 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines and mitigates tissue damage.
What is the primary role of macrophages in periodontitis?
Macrophages phagocytose bacteria, present antigens to T cells, and release cytokines to mediate inflammation.
What distinguishes chronic from acute periodontitis at the immune level?
Chronic periodontitis is characterized by sustained immune activation, persistent antigenic stimulation, and ongoing tissue destruction.
