Immunology - Exam 3 Flashcards

Question

Describe the general features of autoimmune disorders.

Answer 1

Autoimmune Disorders - General Features * Autoimmune diseases may be either SYSTEMIC or ORGAN SPECIFIC, depending on the distribution of the auto‐Ag that are recognized . * VARIOUS EFFECTOR MECHANISMS are responsible for tissue injury in different autoimmune diseases. * Autoimmune diseases tend to be chronic, progressive, and self‐perpetuating. * FAILURE of the mechanisms of self‐tolerance in T or B cells underlies cause of all autoimmune diseases. * INFLAMMATION or an initial innate immune response.

Answer 2

Autoimmunity - Genetics * Most autoimmune diseases are COMPLEX POLYGENIC TRAITS. * Affected individuals inherit multiple GENETIC POLYMORPHISMS that contribute to disease susceptibility. * Among the genes that are associated with autoimmunity, the strongest associations are with MHC genes. * Polymorphisms in NON‐HLA genes is also associated with autoimmunity. * Susceptibility genes act with ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS to cause the diseases.

Answer 3

Autoimmunity - Etiology & Pathogenesis

Answer 4

Autoimmunity - Environmental Triggers * Microbial Ags can initiate autoimmune disorder through: * Molecular mimicry: * Rheumatic fever is triggered by streptococcal infection and mediated by cross‐reactivity between streptococcal Ags and cardiac myosin. * Multiple sclerosis - T cells react with myelin basic protein and peptides from Epstein-Barr virus, influenza virus type A, and human papillomavirus. * Polyclonal (bystander) activation: * Microbial infection can also cause polyclonal activation of autoreactive lymphocytes (cytokine field). * Release of previously sequestered Ags: * Microbes that kill cells can cause inflammation, the release of sequestered Ags, and autoimmunity.

Answer 5

Autoimmunity - Noninfectious Triggers * AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES are much more common in women than in men: * Estrogens exacerbate Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in mouse models of the disease by altering the B‐cell repertoire in the absence of inflammation. * Drugs can also alter the immune repertoire: * Penicillins and cephalosporins can bind to RBC membrane and generate a neoantigen that elicits an auto‐Ag that causes hemolytic anemia. * The blockade of TNF‐α (ENBREL or other inhibitors) can induce antinuclear Abs and even SLE and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in certain persons. * TNF‐α has inhibitory effects on activated T cells, but it remains unknown how TNF‐α induces autoimmunity.

Answer 6

Immune Responses to Microbes * DEFENSE AGAINST MICROBES is mediated by the effector mechanisms of innate and adaptive immunity. * The immune system responds in specialized and distinct ways to different types of microbes to most effectively combat these infectious agents. * The SURVIVAL and PATHOGENICITY of MICROBES in a host are critically influenced by the ability of the microbes to evade or resist the effector mechanisms of immunity. * In many infections, TISSUE INJURY and disease may be caused by the host response to the microbe (collateral damage) rather than by the microbe itself. * Inherited and acquired DEFECTS IN innate and adaptive IMMUNITY are important causes of susceptibility to infections. * Many microbes establish LATENT, or PERSISTENT INFECTIONS in which the immune response controls but does not eliminate the microbe and the microbe survives without propagating the infection.

Answer 7

Immune Response - Primary Extracellular Bacterial Infection * A: * Break in epithelial surface allows bacterial entry and proliferation. * B: * Surface lipopolysaccharide (LPS) may activate the ALTERNATIVE complement PATHWAY or mannan‐binding protein (MBP) the LECTIN PATHWAY leading to bacterial lysis. * Other complement activators operating at this stage include acute phase proteins C‐reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid protein (SAP). * CRP is known to bind bacterial surfaces (phosphocholine) and to bind the globular heads of C1q and activates the CLASSICAL PATHWAY of complement. * Acute phase proteins bind bacterial coat and activate complement. * C: * C3a and C5a bind to receptors on resident MAST CELLS and activate them. * Mast cell degranulation enhances BLOOD FLOW. * The increased blood flow and LOCAL EDEMA are perceived as itchiness and irritation in the inflamed area. * D: * Locally released CYTOKINES and CHEMOKINES and bacterial‐derived molecules (e.g. ENDOTOXIN) activate both the endothelium and the neutrophils. * Rolling marginating NEUTROPHILS adhere to the vein wall. * E: * Complement fragments (C5a and C3a) and chemokines (IL‐8/CXCL8) are potent NEUTROPHIL CHEMOATTRACTANTS. * Together with bacterial products such as Formyl‐Methionyl‐Leucyl‐ Phenylalanine tripeptide (fMLP), they attract neutrophils to the site (CHEMOTAXIS). * F: * Opsonized BACTERIA are rapidly engulfed and killed by neutrophils and tissue macrophages (not shown). * IMMATURE DCs engulf and internalize bacteria (Ags) via pattern recognition receptors or PRRs (e.g. Toll‐like receptors). * Activated MATURE DCs migrate to the local LNs via the lymphatics. * G: * DCs enter local LNs, and moves to the T cell zone (shown incorrectly on the cartoon). * Local inflammation leads to up‐ regulation of adhesion molecules on high endothelial venules (HEV) of lymph node, and lymphocytes enter directly from the blood. * Many LYMPHOCYTES become trapped, activated, and proliferate in the local inflamed LN. * This leads to the consequent swelling and local hyperemia that manifested by the SYMPTOMS of swollen painful/tender LNs. * H: * NAÏVE Th CELLS are recruited and activated by DCs in the lymph node. * Naïve T cells become differentiated towards effector Th1 and Th2, according to the DC signals. * Activated Th cells migrate towards the GERMINAL CENTERS and interact with Ag‐activated B cells, promoting class switching and affinity maturation of bacteria‐ specific Abs. * Initially, IgM class Ab is produced, followed by clonal expansion and switching to other classes, e.g. IgG or IgA for mucosal pathogens. * I: * Early antibacterial Ab production is of the IgM CLASS. * This relatively low affinity interaction is enhanced by the five adhesion sites on IgM, leading to higher avidity of the binding. * IgM is a very potent complement activator. * After formation of multiple MACs, bacteria are lysed by complement. * Bacteria are also opsonized with C3b via IgM‐ACTIVATED COMPLEMENT (classical pathway) that increases phagocytosis. * J: * Upon elimination of pathogens, the IMMUNE RESPONSES is contracted and most of effector lymphocytes die via apoptosis. * Protective mechanisms for future encounters are put in place by the laying down of memory B and T cells. * K: * In the RESOLUTION of an infection, bacterial debris is removed by local phagocytes (macrophages and neutrophils) or by antibody as soluble immune complexes.

Answer 8

Pathogenic Mechanisms of Extracellular Bacteria * EXTRACELLULAR BACTERIA are capable of replicating outside host cells in the blood, connective tissues, epithelial surfaces, the GI tract etc. * Infections caused by PATHOGENIC extracellular bacteria have two principal MECHANISMS: 1. Tissue damage is caused by Inflammation at the site of infection 2. Bacteria produce toxins which have diverse pathologic effects. * The BACTERIAL TOXINS subdivided into: * Endotoxins which are components of bacterial cell walls. * Exotoxins which are secreted by the bacteria. * The ENDOTOXIN (LPS) of Gram‐negative bacteria is as a potent activator of MΦ, DCs, and endothelial cells. * Many EXOTOXINS are cytotoxic including diphtheria toxin (shuts down protein synthesis in infected cells), cholera toxin (interferes with ion/water transport) tetanus toxin (inhibits neuromuscular transmission). * Other exotoxins interfere with normal cellular functions without killing cells, and yet other exotoxins stimulate the production of cytokines that cause disease.

Answer 9

Innate Immunity - Extracellular Bacteria * The PRINCIPAL MECHANISMS of innate immunity to extracellular bacteria are: * Complement activation * Phagocytosis * Inflammation * COMPLEMENT ACTIVATION: * Bacteria that express mannose on their surface may bind mannose‐binding lectin, which activates complement by the lectin pathway. * Bacterial peptidoglycans (Gram+ bacteria) and LPS (Gram‐ bacteria) activate the alternative pathway. * Byproducts (C3a and C5a) stimulate inflammation by recruiting and activating leukocytes. * Complement activation results in opsonization and enhanced phagocytosis of the bacteria. * The MAC lyses bacteria (Neisseria) that are particularly susceptible to lysis.

Answer 10

Prevention of Host Bystander Damage * A: * The cleavage of C3b and C4b by FACTOR I prevents them from forming active convertases and requires cofactor activity. These cofactors include the membrane‐bound membrane cofactor protein (MCP) and complement receptor 1 (CR1), Factor H (FH) and C4b‐binding protein (C4BP). * B: * Proteins decay‐accelerating factor (DAF), CR1, and C4BP inhibit assembly of new C3 convertases and shorten the half‐life of the preformed convertases, limiting their ability to participate in complement activation: * Classical pathway – DAF, CR1, and C4BP * Alternative pathway – DAF, Factor H, and CR1. * C: * The MAC is the lytic complex of complement and its assembly can be inhibited by the membrane‐bound MAC‐INHIBITORY PROTEIN (CD59).

Answer 11

Opsonization & Phagocytosis

Answer 12

Innate Immune Evasion by Extracellular Bacteria

Answer 13

Humoral Immunity Against Extracellular Bacteria * Humoral immunity is a MAJOR PROTECTIVE RESPONSE against extracellular bacteria. * It functions to block infection, to eliminate the microbes, and to neutralize their toxins. * The EFFECTOR MECHANISMS of Abs include: * Toxin neutralization * Opsonization and phagocytosis * Complement activation by the classical pathway * ANTIBODIES responses against extracellular bacteria are directed against cell wall Ags and secreted and cell‐associated toxins. * ENCAPSULATED BACTERIA rich in TI polysaccharide Ags are primarily eliminated by Ab‐mediated immunity.

Answer 14

Cell-Mediated Immunity Against Extracellular Microbes * The PROTEIN Ag of extracellular bacteria also activate CD4⁺ helper T cells. * Th17 CELLS induced by these microbes promote local inflammation and recruit neutrophils and monocytes at sites of bacterial infection. * Genetic defects in Th17 development have increased susceptibility to bacterial and fungal infections, with formation of multiple skin abscesses. * Bacteria also induce Th1 CELLS and IFN‐γ produced by the cells activates MΦ to destroy phagocytized microbes. * IFN‐γ may also stimulate production of opsonizing and COMPLEMENT‐FIXING IgG Abs.

Answer 15

Immune Response - Injurious Effects * The principal INJURIOUS CONSEQUENCES of host responses to extracellular bacteria are inflammation and septic shock. * These inflammatory reactions are usually self‐limited and controlled. * SEPTIC SHOCK is a severe pathologic consequence of disseminated bacterial infection (sepsis) by some Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria. * SEPTIC SHOCK SYNDROME is characterized by circulatory collapse and disseminated intravascular coagulation. * The EARLY PHASE of sepsis and septic shock is caused by cytokines produced by MΦ that are activated by bacterial cell wall components. * Cytokines secreted cause the SYSTEMIC MANIFESTATIONS of the infection and stimulate the production of acute‐phase proteins. * The same reactions of NEUTROPHILS and MΦ that function to eradicate the infection also cause tissue damage by local production of reactive oxygen species and lysosomal enzymes.

Answer 16

Septic Shock - Mediators

Answer 17

Septic Shock - Mechanisms * MΦ release a diverse range of products implicated in the PATHOGENESIS OF SEPSIS. * Many MΦ PRODUCTS are involved in the regulation of each other: * TNF‐α upregulates tissue factor (TF) and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), IL‐18 induces IFN‐γ, which in turn further activates MΦ. * IL‐10 is a global suppressor of MΦ function. * These highly COMPLEX and tightly regulated NETWORKS make it difficult to predict the outcomes of blocking or inhibiting just one pathway.

Answer 18

Bacterial Superantigens (SAgs) * Certain bacterial toxins called superantigens (SAgs) bind to the class II MHC outside the peptide‐ binding groove. * Simultaneously, SAgs binds to the variable region of different TCR β chains, regardless of the peptide specificity of the TCR. * Because many T cells express a TCR β chain from a particular Vβ family, Sags can activate a large number of T cells causing POLYCLONAL T CELL ACTIVATION.

Answer 19

SAgs in Human Diseases * FOOD POISONING – the staphylococcal SAgs are potent GI toxins responsible for staphylococcal food poisoning. * TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME (TSS) is caused by S. aureus can be considered as a capillary leak syndrome. * Streptococcal TSS is caused by S. pyogenes. It is the MOST SEVERE form of invasive streptococcal infection. * ACUTE RHEUMATIC FEVER (ARF) is a post‐infection cause of preventable pediatric heart disease. * KAWASAKI DISEASE (KD) is an acute multi‐system vasculitis of unknown etiology – evidence suggests that it is a SAg‐mediated disease. * AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES – It has been proposed that SAgs might contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease by activating T cells that are specific for self Ags.

Answer 20

The Major Mechanism Used by Bacteria to Evade Humoral Immunity Is Variation of Surface Ags.

Answer 21

Intracellular Pathogens * INTRACELLULAR BACTERIA and viruses are able to survive and replicate within host cells where they are inaccessible to circulating Abs. * An ELIMINATION of these bacteria requires the mechanisms of cell‐mediated immunity. * In many intracellular bacterial and viral infections the host responses also cause tissue injury.

Answer 22

Immune Response - Primary Viral Infection * A: * Virus infects epithelial cells and replicates among them. * B: * Effect of intracellular viral infection is the ACTIVATION OF CYTOKINE and cytokine‐receptor genes, especially the Type I interferons (e.g. IFN‐α). * LOCAL EFFECTS of IFN‐α are inhibition of viral gene replication, and up‐regulation of MHC class I molecules. * VIRAL PEPTIDES are expressed in the MHC class I peptide‐binding groove. * C: * NK CELLS may be recruited at two points at least during the virus infection. * They exhibit an innate (early in the course of infection) antiviral role following activation by epithelium‐ derived IFN‐α. * At a later stage of infections, NK cells are activated by cytokines IFN‐γ and IL‐2 produced by Th1 cells specific for the virus. * D: * VIRAL INFECTION results in cell death and viral replication. * COMPONENTS of viruses (e.g. single‐ stranded RNA) activate DCs and locally released cytokines and chemokines amplify the activation of MΦ and professional APCs. * These cells engulf cellular debris and present viral proteins. * Professional APCs (e.g. tissue DCs such as LANGERHANS CELLS in the skin) transport Ag to local LNs via lymphatics. * E: * CYTOKINES up‐regulate endothelial cell expression of adhesion molecules such as ICAM‐1. * CHEMOKINES (e.g. IL‐8/CXCL-8) begin to attract cells through the endothelium towards the site of infection. * IL‐1 and TNF‐α locally produced by MΦ and T cells enter bloodstream and have systemic effects of fever and arthralgia/myalgia. * F: * DCs enter local LNs, and moves to the T cell zone (shown incorrectly on the cartoon). * Local inflammation leads to up‐ regulation of adhesion molecules on high endothelial venules (HEV) of lymph node, and lymphocytes enter directly from the blood. * Many LYMPHOCYTES become trapped, activated, and proliferate in the local inflamed LN. * This leads to the consequent swelling and local hyperemia that manifested by the SYMPTOMS of swollen painful/tender LNs. * G: * NAÏVE T CELLS possessing TCRs complementary to the class II MHC molecule/viral peptide complex are activated and become Th1 cells. * NAÏVE B CELLS acquire viral Ags through attachment to surface IgM or IgD. * Antiviral IgM are produced as a result of PRIMARY Ab RESPONSE. * Ag‐ACTIVATED B CELLS process and present viral peptides to Th cells (either Th2 or Th1) from which they receive positive growth and differentiation signals. * B cells differentiate and class switch, leading later to production of high affinity antiviral IgG (SECONDARY Ab RESPONSE). * H: * A VIRAL PEPTIDE is presented by class II MHC molecules to a complementary TCR on a Th cell. * The INTERACTION IS STABILIZED by CD4/class II MHC and CD80/86 binding to CD28, which also provides co‐ stimulatory signals to the Th cell. * I: * Th 1 CELLS recruit and stimulate virus‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) by providing IL‐2 for proliferation of CD8⁺ T cells. * The CTLs recognize virus PEPTIDES CROSS‐PRESENTED by DCs. * The same VIRAL EPITOPES will be presented within class I MHC on the surface of infected target cells. * J: * Effector Th cells and CTLs leave the LN via the draining lymphatics and ultimately enter the blood. * At this stage their KEY ATTRIBUTES are: 1. Virus‐specific TCRs. 2. Up‐regulated adhesion molecules (LFA‐1), to allow migration into the inflamed tissues. 3. Up‐regulated production of cytokines. * K: * Virus‐specific CTLs migrate from the blood into peripheral tissue. * CTLs recognize viral Ags presented within class I MHC on virally infected cells and kill them. * In the tissue, Th1 cells, CTLs and B cells organize the local antiviral immune response: * Th1‐derived IFN‐γ activates phagocytosis by MΦ. * Abs facilitate phagocytosis via FcR and CR1. * L: * NK CELLS may be recruited at two points at least during the virus infection. * They exhibit an innate (early in the course of infection) antiviral role following activation by epithelium‐ derived IFN‐α. * At a later stage of infections, NK cells are activated by cytokines IFN‐γ and IL‐2 produced by Th1 cells specific for the virus. * M: * VIRUS‐INFECTED CELLS secrete viral proteins after their death. * These proteins may be neutralized or removed by Ab in the form of immune complexes. * Ab may guide Fc receptor‐ expressing NK CELLS that culminates in Antibody‐ Dependent Cell‐Mediated Cytotoxicity (ADCC). * N: * After resolution of the infection, virus‐specific MEMORY T and B CELLS reside long term in lymph nodes, spleen and bone marrow. * PLASMA CELLS ensure long‐ term circulation of protective virus‐neutralizing Abs.

Answer 23

Innate Immunity - Intracellular Bacteria * The innate immune response to INTRACELLULAR BACTERIA is mediated mainly by phagocytes and NK cells. * Both NK cells and MΦ provide an EARLY DEFENSE against these microbes, before the development of adaptive immunity. * Products of these bacteria are recognized by TLRs and cytoplasmic proteins of the NOD‐LIKE RECEPTORS resulting in activation of DCs, MΦ and neutrophils. * PHAGOCYTES ingest and destroy intracellular microbes. * The RESISTANCE of pathogenic bacteria to degradation within phagocytes is overrun by NK cell‐produced IFN‐γ. * Activated DCs and MΦ produce IL‐12 and IL‐15 which activate NK cells. * The NK CELLS produce IFN‐γ, which in turn promotes killing of the phagocytized bacteria by MΦ.

Answer 24

Endogenous vs. Exogenous Pathways of Ag Presentation * ENDOGENOUS PATHWAY: * Proteins from intracellular pathogens, such as viruses, are degraded by the proteasome and the resulting peptides are shuttled into the ER by TAP proteins. * These peptides are loaded onto MHC class I molecules and the complex is delivered to the cell surface, where it stimulates CTLs that kill the infected cells. * EXOGENOUS PATHWAY: * Extracellular pathogens are engulfed by phagosomes. * Inside the phagosome, the pathogen‐derived peptides are loaded onto MHC class II molecules, which activate Th cells that stimulate the production of Abs. * Some peptides from the exogenous pathway can also be presented on MHC class I molecules.

Answer 25

Infection with M. tuberculosis * M. tuberculosis may SURVIVE in PHAGOSOMES by preventing acid‐containing lysosomes from fusing with phagosomes and creating mature phagolysosomes. * CD4⁺ TH1 CELLS respond to class II MHC‐associated M. tuberculosis Ags and produce IFN‐γ, which activates MΦ to destroy the microbes in phagosomes. * CD8⁺ T CELLS respond to class I MHC‐associated peptides derived from cytosolic Ags (cross‐presenting) and kill the infected cells.

Answer 26

Immune Evasion by Intracellular Bacteria

Answer 27

Infection Outcome - Role of TH1/TH2 * NAIVE CD4⁺ T CELLS may differentiate into Th1 cells, which activate phagocytes to kill ingested microbes or Th2 cells, which inhibit this classical pathway of MΦ activation. * The Th1/Th2 BALANCE may influence the outcome of infections, as illustrated by Leishmania infection in mice and Mycobacterium leprae in humans.

Answer 28

Defenses Against Fungal Infection * FUNGI are recognized by PRRs (TLRs and C lectin‐like receptors) binding the PAMPs. * The detection of β‐GLUCAN by dectin 1 is also important. * Then occurs DIFFERENTIATION of Th1, Th2 and Th17 cells and production of cytokines. * Cytokines IL‐12 and TGFβ + IL‐6 have IMPORTANT differentiation and activation ROLES for activation of Th1 and Th17 responses. * Th1 (IFN‐γ) and Th17 (IL‐17, IL‐22) cytokines further amplify an inflammation and innate immunity. * Specific Th2 cells (Abs) are LESS IMPORTANT. * In general, Th1 RESPONSES are required for clearance of a fungal infection, while Th2 RESPONSES usually results in susceptibility to infection.

Answer 29

Pattern Recognition Receptor Dectin 1 * Binds β-glucans. * The MΦ MANNOSE RECEPTOR (MR) has historically been considered the major receptor involved in the nonopsonic recognition of fungi. * DECTIN‐1 is a recently discovered PRR that plays an important role in antifungal innate immunity. * Recent data suggest that DECTIN‐1 and TLR2/TLR6 signaling combine to enhance the responses triggered by fungi. * Dectin‐1 is a specific receptor for β‐GLUCANS expressed on MΦ. * β‐glucans are POLYSACCHARIDE PAMPS that contain only GLUCOSE as structural components. * DECTIN‐1 binds and internalizes β‐glucans and mediates activation of NF‐κB and subsequent secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Answer 30

Immune Protection by Microbe Class

Answer 31

Protective Immunity

Answer 32

Infections in Immunocompromised Patients

Immunology - Exam 3 Flashcards

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