Introduction to the immune system Flashcards
What 3 functions does the immune system fulfill?
- Immunological recognition, to be able to distiguish from self
- Immune effector function
- Immunological memory
What are the 2 most important biochemical distinctions between us and microogranisms?
- Cell wall
- Nucleic acids
What are the characteristics of the innate immune system?
- Rapid
- Pattern-specific recognition
- Effector functions
What are the characteristics of the adaptive immune system?
- Slower
- Sequence specific recognition
- Effector and memory function
What are the components of the innate immune system?
- Physical barriers
- Phagocytic cells
- Natural killer cells
- Anti-parasitic effectors
- Complement
What is the role of non-harmful bacteria (commensals) in creating a physical barrier to infection?
They outcrowd and outcompete harmful bacteria
What are the components of the adaptive immune system?
- Lymphocytes
- Antibodies
What is the difference in how B and T cells recognise processed proteins?
B cells recognise intact proteins whereas T cells recognise processed proteins
Where are immune cells developed?
In the bone marrow and thymus
Where is regional lymphoid tissue located?
The lymph nodes and spleen
Why is lymphoid tissue important in the immune response?
Critical for the activation of adaptive immunity
What is the function of the spleen?
Monitors blood for blood-borne infections
What is the function of the lymph nodes?
Drains tissues of the entire body
How do immune cells get into the blood?
Move from the lymph node into the blood
What is the germinal centre?
A specialised structure to support B cell activation
