Immune cells Flashcards
(37 cards)
What is immunology?
The medical science focused on the structure and function of the immune system, including self vs. non-self recognition, innate and acquired immunity, and immune cell communication.
Why is immunology important for pharmacists?
Because many diseases involve the immune system, and many drugs (e.g., vaccines, monoclonal antibodies) act by modulating immune responses.
List five physical or chemical barriers in the innate immune system.
Skin, mucous membranes, cilia, tears (lysozyme), urine.
Name the primary lymphoid organs.
Bone marrow and thymus.
What are secondary lymphoid organs?
Spleen, lymph nodes, GALT (e.g., Peyer’s patches), tonsils, appendix.
Where do B cells mature?
Bone marrow.
Where do T cells mature?
Thymus.
What are tertiary lymphoid organs?
Immune structures that form during chronic inflammation or infection.
What is the role of neutrophils?
They are phagocytic granulocytes that ingest and kill bacteria and fungi.
What is the role of eosinophils?
They kill parasites and contribute to allergic reactions.
What do basophils and mast cells do?
They release histamine and play a key role in allergic responses.
Which cells are the best antigen-presenting cells?
Dendritic cells.
What is the function of NK cells?
They kill virus-infected and tumor cells without prior activation.
What are three key differences between innate and adaptive immunity?
Innate: fast, non-specific, no memory. Adaptive: slow, specific, memory.
What are cytokines?
Proteins that mediate immune cell communication, can act autocrine, paracrine, or endocrine.
What are chemokines?
Cytokines that guide cell movement along a chemical gradient.
What is an antigen?
Any foreign substance that induces an immune response.
What is an epitope?
The specific part of an antigen recognized by an antibody.
What factors affect immunogenicity?
Size (>1 kDa), foreignness, dose, and composition.
What are the five classes of antibodies?
IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, IgE.
What does IgG do?
It is the most abundant antibody, crosses the placenta, and activates complement.
What is IgM’s role?
It is the first antibody produced; pentameric and good at agglutination.
Where is IgA found?
At mucosal surfaces and in secretions like saliva and tears.
What is the function of IgE?
Defense against parasites and involvement in allergic reactions.
