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Immunology 1st year > The Immune System > Flashcards

The Immune System Flashcards

(46 cards)

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1
Q

Define the Immune System

A

A network of specialised cells, tissues and soluble factors that cooperate to kill and eliminate disease causing pathogens and cancer cells.

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2
Q

Name the key features of the Immune System (4)

A
  • The ability to specifically identify and respond to non self
  • Ability to modify the response to deal with different pathogens (virus/bacteria/parasite)
  • Able to actively promote tissue repair and healing
  • Immunological Memory - remembers any pathogens your system encounters (even if you didn’t get sick)
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3
Q

What is the bodies first line of defence against pathogens? (2)

A

Skin

Mucous/Mucosal Tissues

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4
Q

How does the skin act as a first line of defence? (4)

A
  • Constantly undergoes renewal and replacement
  • Low pH
  • Low oxygen tension
  • Sebaceous Glands: secrete oils/lysozyme/ammonia/anti-microbial peptides
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5
Q

How does mucous act as a first line of defence? (4)

A
  • Traps invading pathogens
  • Contains enzymes: lysozyme, defensins and antimicrobial peptides directly kill pathogens. Lactoferrin starves invading organisms
  • Cilia: trap pathogens and contribute to the removal of mucous assisted by sneezing/coughing
  • Secretory IgA: prevents bacteria/viruses attaching to and penetrating cells
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6
Q

Commensal bacteria have a _________ relationship with the host

A

Symbiotic

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7
Q

Types of white blood cell (11)

A 
Phagocytes
-neutrophils
-dendritic cells 
-monocytes and 
macrophages
Lymphocytes
-T cells
-B cells
-Natural Killer Cells (NKC)
Mast cells
Eosinophils 
Basophils
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8
Q

Soluble Factors (humoral factors) (4)

A

Antibodies
Complement System Proteins
Cytokines
Acute phase proteins

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9
Q

Types of Granulocytes (3)

A

Eosinophils
Basophils
Neutrophils

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10
Q

Cells can communicate through various types of signals, name these.

A

Hormones

Cytokines

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11
Q

Any of a number of substances which are secreted by certain cells of the immune system and have an effect on other cells are called __________.

A

Cytokines

are produced in response to infection/inflammation/tissue damage

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12
Q

Key features of Cytokines (3)

A
  • They can have multiple/overlapping functions
  • Short half life
  • Can act locally/systemically
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13
Q

Signalling 1:

Name the three types of signalling that involve Cytokines

A

Paracrine
Endocrine
Autocrine

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14
Q

Signalling 2.

Paracrine Signalling occurs between _____ cells where the signals elicit _____ responses

A
  1. Local

2. Quick

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15
Q

Signalling 3.
Endocrine Signalling occurs between _______ cells and is mediated by hormones/cytokines released from specific cells that travel to target cells, producing a ______, ______ response

A
  1. Distant
  2. Slower
  3. Longer lasting
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16
Q

What cell type produces antibodies?

A

Antigen-activated B cells

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17
Q

Describe Antibodies

A

Antibodies are proteins that are produced in response to an antigen and bind specifically to that antigen.

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18
Q

Describe the lock and key mechanism in relation to antibodies

A

An individual antibody can bind to only one specific epitope on a single antigen

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19
Q

A single antigen can contain many different binding sites (known as ________) for different antibodies

20
Q

Where are T and B cells found when they are mature?

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A

The blood, lymph and secondary lymphoid tissues

21
Q

What cells are inactive until they meet a pathogen/antigen?

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A

T and B cells

22
Q

T cells originate in the ______ and become specialised in the ______ (a small organ underneath the breastplate). They then recirculate in the _____, _____ and the _____.

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A
  1. Bone marrow
  2. Thymus
  3. Bloodstream
  4. Lymphatic System
  5. Tissues
23
Q

What cell type recognises antigens that the body has encountered before?

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A

T cell

T lymphocyte

24
Q

What cell type is responsible for production and secretion of antibodies to defend against extracellular pathogens?

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A

B cell

B lymphocyte

25
What cells recognise and kill the cells of someones body that have been infected with a pathogen?
Natural Killer Cells
26
Where do you find Natural Killer Cells?
In the blood and they can move to the tissues to find targets
27
Natural Killer Cells are what type of cell
Large granular lymphocytes | they release lytic granules that kill some virus infected cells
28
Where do Mast Cells reside?
In tissues and Protect mucosal surfaces
29
Basophils and Eosinophils are found where?
Circulating in the blood and recruited to sites of infection by inflammatory signals
30
What cells playa key role in mediating allergic responses?
Mast Cells Basophils Eosinophils
31
Large antibody-coated pathogens that cannot be phagocytosed are destroyed by what cells?
Mast Cells Basophils Eosinophils
32
Mast Cells, Basophils and Eosinophils are all highly ________ cells. Upon activation they release ________, such as histamine, heparin and pro-inflammatory cytokines.
1. granular | 2. chemicals
33
A group of over 30 different types of proteins that work together with other components of the immune system to attack pathogens.
Complement
34
Where is complement normally found? (4)
Plasma of the blood Lymph Breastmilk Body's tissues
35
Name the three types of phagocyte (eating cells)
Monocyte Macrophage Neutrophil
36
What cell comprises 50-70% of all circulating leukocytes?
Neutrophils
37
The polymorphonuclear cell with a lobed nuclei is also known as what?
Neutrophil
38
What cell type is rapidly recruited to inflamed/damaged/infected tissues?
Neutrophil
39
Dendritic cells are present in the peripheral tissues when ________. As they mature they migrate into the secondary ________ tissues where they play a key role in antigen presentation.
Immature | Lyphoid
40
The main function of ______ cells is to phagocytose, process and present antigens on their cell surface to T cells.
Dendritic
41
In _______, complete destruction of proteins are seen
Neutrophils
42
In ______, proteins are only partially degraded, for efficient antigen presentation and stimulation of adaptive immune response.
Dendritic cells
43
What cell type can switch their behaviour depending upon pathogen detection and the cytokine signals that they receive?
Macrophages
44
Macrophages _______ phenotype: clearance of dead/dying host cells, do not produce pro-inflammatory cytokines
Neutral
45
Macrophages _______ phenotype: phagocytosis and killing of pathogens, and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines
Activated
46
Macrophages _______ phenotype: reduced activity, production of anti-inflammatory cytokines
Repair

Immunology 1st year (2 decks)

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