Immune System Flashcards
(22 cards)
What are the two main branches of the immune system?
Innate (non-specific) and Adaptive (specific) immune systems.
What is the role of lymph nodes in the immune response?
They filter lymph and are sites where immune responses are initiated.
What is the role of the spleen in immunity?
Filters blood and contains immune cells.
What cells are involved in the innate immune system?
Neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, NK cells.
What cells are involved in the adaptive immune system?
T cells (CD4, CD8), B cells.
What is the role of neutrophils?
Phagocytose debris and pathogens; first line of defence.
What is the role of T helper cells (CD4)?
Activate other immune cells and coordinate immune responses.
What is the role of cytotoxic T cells (CD8)?
Kill virus-infected or altered self cells.
What do B cells do?
Differentiate into plasma cells and produce antibodies.
What are interferons?
Proteins released by virus-infected cells that enhance resistance in nearby cells.
What is the function of complement proteins?
Promote opsonisation, inflammation, and lysis of pathogens.
What are NK cells?
Natural Killer cells that kill infected or cancerous cells without prior sensitisation.
What are antigen presenting cells (APCs)?
Dendritic cells, B cells, and macrophages that present antigens via MHC to T cells.
What is the MHC class I pathway?
Displays endogenous antigens to CD8+ T cells.
What is the MHC class II pathway?
Displays exogenous antigens to CD4+ T cells.
What is the humoral immune response?
Production of antibodies by B cells.
What is an epitope?
The specific part of an antigen recognized by an antibody.
What is immunological memory?
The ability of the immune system to respond more rapidly upon re-exposure to an antigen.
What are the classes of human antibodies?
IgM, IgG1-4, IgA1-2, IgE, IgD.
What is passive immunity?
Immunity conferred by transferring antibodies from another individual (e.g. antiserum).
What is active immunity?
Immunity developed through exposure to an antigen or vaccination.
What is REGN-EB3?
A monoclonal antibody therapy for Ebola virus disease targeting EBOV glycoproteins.
