The immune system Block 4 Week 2 Flashcards
Bones of the skull
The skull consists of two distinct structural parts: the neurocranium and the viscerocranium.
The neurocranium, which is the part that encloses the brain, is formed by the frontal, ethmoid, sphenoid,
occipital, temporal and parietal bones. It has a dome-like roof, the calvaria and an irregular floor, the skull
base or basicranium.
The viscerocranium is the skeleton of the face and is formed by the maxilla, mandible,
inferior nasal conchae, nasal, lacrimal, vomer, ethmoid, zygomatic and palatine bones.
Pneumatic bone ?
pneumatic bone (plural pneumatic bones) (anatomy) Any bone, such as the mastoid process or those of the birds, that contains many hollow cells full of air.
ethmoid, maxilla, sphenoid, temporal and frontal bones are pneumatic
The cranial base has an external and internal surface.
External surface of the cranial base:
External surface of the cranial base Internal surface of the cranial base:
-FORAMINA
the foramen magnum (contents include
the medulla and the vertebral arteries)
the jugular foramen (contents include the
internal jugular vein and cranial nerves –
including CNX, the vagus nerve)
SITES WHERE MUSCLES ATTACH
the mastoid process
the styloid process
the external occipital protuberance
the superior and inferior nuchal lines
Note that some of these sites have multiple
functions.
OTHER FEATURES TO NOTE:
the occipital condyles (articulation of the
cranium with the vertebral column)
mandibular fossae (location of
mandibular condyles when jaw is closed)
Foramen magnum
The foramen magnum functions as a passage of the central nervous system through the skull connecting the brain with the spinal cord
Internal surface of the cranial base ?
LANDMARKS TO HELP YOUR
ORIENTATION:
- the sphenoidal crest
-the superior border of the petrous part of
the temporal bone
-the sella turcica: The sella turcica (Latin for ‘Turkish saddle’) is a saddle-shaped depression in the body of the sphenoid bone of the human skull.
The pituitary gland or hypophysis is located within the most inferior aspect of the sella turcica, the hypophyseal fossa.
FORAMINA AND OTHER APERTURES
-the foramen magnum
-the jugular foramen : Cranial nerves IX, X, and XI, originate from the brainstem and exit the cranium via the jugular foramen.Glossopharyngeal nerve: Ability to taste and swallow.
Vagus nerve: Digestion and heart rate.
Accessory nerve (or spinal accessory nerve): Shoulder and neck muscle movement.
- the superior orbital fissure (contents include
cranial nerves, including the ophthalmic nerve, a
branch of CNV, trigeminal nerve)
-the foramen rotundum (maxillary nerve, a
branch of CNV, trigeminal nerve)
-the foramen ovale (mandibular nerve, a
branch of CNV, trigeminal nerve)
-the hypoglossal canal (CNXII, hypoglossal
nerve)
more pics
Describe the joint of the skull ?
- Temporomandibular joint
- Pterion: The pterion is an H-shaped bony neurological landmark found at the junction of the frontal, sphenoid, parietal and the squamous part of temporal bone
- Occipitomastoid suture
- Lambdoid suture
- Parietomastoid suture
- Temporoparietal suture
- Coronal suture
Axial:
- sagittal suture
Sutures ?
Sutures are a type of fibrous joint that are unique to the skull. They are immovable and fuse completely around the age of 20.
These joints are important in the context of trauma, as they represent points of potential weakness in the skull
Coronoid process
The coronoid process acts as a bony buttress to prevent posterior dislocation
Attachments of the muscle of mastication
The primary muscles of mastication (pterygoids, masseter and temporalis) attach between the mandible and the rest of the skull.
Identify the following points of attachment of the muscles of mastication on a skull:
- the temporal fossa, and the coronoid process of the mandible (temporalis).
-the zygomatic bone & arch, and the angle & lateral surface of the mandible
(masseter).
-the infratemporal surface and the crest of the greater wing of sphenoid, and the
lateral surface of the lateral pterygoid plate (lateral pterygoid).
-the medial surface of the lateral pterygoid plate and pyramidal process of palatine,
tuberosity of maxilla, and the medial surface of the mandibular ramus (medial pterygoid)
When looking from the back the mastoid process is here
Azathioprine
- immunosuppressant
Indication:
- to treat inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
- crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis
- severe inflammation of liver, skin or arteries
- blood disorders
- don’t reject an organ (prevent renal transplant rejection)
Contraindications:
- pregnant
- breastfeeding
- active infection
Side effects:
- fatigue
- rash
- nausea
- kidney damage
- hepatoxicity
Azathioprine (AZA) is an immunosuppressive agent that acts through its effects as an antagonist of purine metabolism, resulting in the inhibition of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), ribonucleic acid (RNA), and protein synthesis.
Cyclosporin
- immunosuppressant
Indications:
- acute severe ulcerative colitis
- rheumatoid arthritis
- psoriasis
- don’t reject an organ
Contradiction:
- active infection
- malignancy
Side effects:
- kidney problems
- high blood
Clopidogrel
Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medicine. It prevents platelets (a type of blood cell) from sticking together and forming a dangerous blood clot. Blood thinning medicine.
Indication:
- This protects you from having a stroke or heart attack.
Contraindications:
- Active bleeding
Side effects:
- hemorrhage (blood loss inside the body)
- skin reactions
Heparin
- injection anticoagulant. Only used in hospitals.
Patients who are unable to get out of bed in the days following surgery are at greater risk of forming clots,
Indications:
- prevention and treatment of thrombotic events such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
pulmonary embolism (PE)
atrial fibrillation (AF)
Contraindications:
- active bleedings
- hypersensitivity
Side effects:
- blood in the urine
- heavy bleeding or oozing from cuts
Apixaban
- anticoagulant medication
Indications:
- deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- pulmonary embolism (PE) (blocked blood vessel in your lungs)
- reduces the risk of stroke
Warfarin
- anticoagulant
Dabigatran
- anticoagulant
- direct thrombin inhibitor
Tetanus booster
Tetanus vaccine, also known as tetanus toxoid, is a toxoid vaccine used to prevent tetanus
During childhood, five doses are recommended, with a sixth given during adolescence. After three doses, almost everyone is initially immune, but additional doses every ten years are recommended to maintain immunity
Haemostsis ?
Haemostasis is a process to prevent and stop bleeding, meaning to keep blood within a damaged blood vessel (the opposite of hemostasis is hemorrhage).
Thrombosis: occurs when blood clots block veins or arteries. The clots can get lodged and move around circulation to other places
What are the three stages of haemostasis ?
Arrows pointing at platelets see size compared to red blood cells
What are platelets ?
- Platelets are commonly described as cellular fragments – they are not true cells as they do not contain a nucleus or carry nuclear DNA, although they do contain mitochondria.
- Platelets have a life span of 7-10 days
- The normal platelet count is 150-400 x 109/L
- Although they are primarily found in the bloodstream, up to 30% of platelets are transiently sequestered (stored) within the spleen, ready for rapid mobilisation.
- Platelets originate from megakaryocytes. Megakaryocytes originate from the common myeloid progenitor
- Surface-connected open cannalicular system (SCOCS): The open canalicular system (OCS) is an internal membrane structure found in platelets. And is the way platlets can release all their factors quickly to produce a quick response after injury.
Describe the structure of platelets ?
- The key role of platelets is their participation in haemostasis through the formation of blood clots at the site of bleeding.
- Platlets contain two types of granules, namely alpha-granules and dense granules
- Alpha granules: Alpha-granules contain proteins of high molecular weight, including von Willebrand Factor (vWF), factor V and fibrinogen.
- Dense granules: contain low molecular weight molecules such as ATP, ADP, serotonin, and calcium ions.
- Platelets have abundant surface receptors, classified into agonist and adhesion receptors
- Agonist receptors: recognise stimulatory molecules. These include collagen, thrombin, and ADP amongst others.
- Adhesion receptors promote the adhesion of platelets to other platelets, the vessel wall or leucocytes, depending on the receptor stimulated. Examples include the glycoprotein IIb-IIIa receptor, which is targeted by antiplatelets such as tirafiban.
Dense granules are less common
Describe the formation of a platelet plug ?
Formation of the platelet plug:
-Damage to a blood vessel causes exposure of collagen. Von Willebrand Factor (vWF) binds to collagen which acts as a molecular anchor for platelets to join.
- Platelets have VWF receptors. Platelets adhere to the damaged endothelium via vWF. When platelets adhere, they activate and degranulate– their shape changes and they release chemicals that keep the vessel constricted and draw more platelets to the damaged area. This positive feedback loop continues.
-The aggregation of platelets results in the formation of a plug that temporarily seals the break in the vessel wall.
-Following formation of the platelet plug, coagulation is activated to form a fibrin mesh which stabilises the platelet plug.
What is the difference between the primary and secondary homeostasis ?
-Primary hemostasis is a procoagulation clot forming process associated with the initiation and formation of the platelet plug.
- Secondary hemostasis also a procoagulation clot forming process and it is associated with the propagation of the clotting process via the intrinsic and extrinsic coagulation cascades
Describe secondary homeostasis ?
- The coagulation process is characterised by a cascade of events which lead to the formation of a stable blood clot, made up of fibrin. Proteins called clotting factors initiate reactions which activate more clotting factors.
-This process occurs via two pathways which unite downstream to form the common pathway. These are:
–The extrinsic pathway: This is triggered by external trauma which causes blood to escape the circulation. The extrinsic pathway takes less time to form a clot than the intrinsic pathway.
–The intrinsic pathway: This is triggered by internal damage to the vessel wall. This pathway takes longer to form a clot than the intrinsic pathway.
- Both pathways result in the formation of factor Xa. Factor Xa combines with factor Va on the surface of activated platelets (in the presence of calcium ions) to form the prothrombinase complex.
- The prothrombinase complex cleaves prothrombin (a zymogen) to thrombin (on the surface of activated platelets)
Describe the extrinsic pathway ?
The extrinsic pathway unfolds as follows:
-Damage to the blood vessel means that factor VII exits the circulation into surrounding tissues
-Tissue factor (factor III) is released by damaged cells outside the circulation
-Factor VII and factor III form a complex, known as the TF-VIIa complex.
-TF-VIIa then activates factor X into its active form, factor Xa
-In conjunction with factor Va, this triggers the formation of thrombin.
Note that the extrinsic pathway is believed to be responsible for the initial generation of activated Factor X (Factor Xa), whereas the intrinsic pathway amplifies its production.
Describe the intrinsic pathway ?
The intrinsic pathway is the longer and more intricate pathway:
-Factor XII is activated once it comes into contact with negatively charged collagen on the damaged endothelium, triggering the cascade.
-Factor 12 activates Factor 11
-Factor 11 activates Factor 9
-Factor 9a which with its co-factor Factor 8a form the tenase complex which activates Factor 10
Describe the common pathway of coagulation ?
-The intrinsic and extrinsic pathways converge to give rise to the common pathway.
- The point of the common pathway is to convert prothrombin into thrombin.
- The activated factor Xa and Va allow prothrombinase to catalyze this rection
-The activated factor X causes a set of reactions resulting in the inactive enzyme prothrombin (also called factor II) being converted to its active form thrombin (factor IIa) by Prothrombinase.
-The thrombin then converts soluble fibrinogen (also refereed to as factor I) into insoluble fibrin strands. The fibrin strands which comprise the clot are stabilised by factor XIIIa.
Factor I is fibrinogen.
Factor II is prothrombin.
Factor III is tissue factor (TF in the image above).
Factor IV is calcium. EDTA in purple blood tubes binds to calcium to prevent blood from clotting before it has been analysed
Describe anti-coagulants used for the regulation of clotting ?
- Aswell as coagulants you always have anticoagulants in your bloodstream too. This is too make sure your not making clots everywhere.
- There are a few of these such as Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor (TFPI). This stops coagulation if it is not required.
- Antithrombin is also an anticoagulant. You have lots of anti thrombin going around. Antithrombin is a protease inhibitor that degrades thrombin, factor IXa, factor Xa, factor XIa and factor XIIa. It is constantly active, but can be activated further by a group of common anticoagulants known as heparins.
- Calcium ions play a role through their interaction with an activation of several clotting factors. Low levels of calcium are therefore inhibitory to the clotting cascade.
- Normally there is a balance between coagulants and anticoaglants. When it is out of balance you have more coagullanta nd you clot
Describe platelet and coagulation disorders ?
Platelet aggregometry is applied in different clinical settings for:
-monitoring response to antiplatelet therapies
- the assessment of perioperative bleeding risk
-the diagnosis of inherited bleeding disorders
- in transfusion medicine
-The platelet aggregometry is a test you do on blood to see
how well platelets, a part of blood, clump together and cause blood to clot.
- A platelet aggregation test requires a blood sample. The sample is initially examined to see how the platelets are distributed through the plasma, the liquid part of the blood. A chemical is then added to your blood sample to test how quickly your platelets clot.
- Two of the tests used in a coagulation study—prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT, also known as aPTT)—can reveal specific things about your health.
Coagulation test: Prothrombin time (PT)
- The prothrombin time (PT) test measures how quickly your blood clots.
-Taking the blood thinner warfarin is the most common cause of a prolonged PT.
-Generally, the reference range is 10–13 seconds, though it may vary.
- PT measures the following coagulation factors: 1,2,5,7,10
-I (fibrinogen),
-II (prothrombin),
-V (proaccelerin),
-VII (proconvertin),
-X (Stuart–Prower factor).
What is the INR (The international normalised ratio) ?
The international normalised ratio (INR) is a laboratory measurement of how long it takes blood to form a clot. It is used to determine the effects of oral anticoagulants on the clotting system.
Typical target INRs:
Important target International Normalised Ratios (INRs) to remember include:
-For patients with atrial fibrillation: 2-3
-For patients with metallic valve replacements: 2-3 (aortic valve) 2.5-3.5 (mitral valve)
-Following venous thromboembolism (VTE): 2-3
-Note that for patients with a recurrent VTE whilst on Warfarin, the target INR should be increased from 2-3 to 3-4.
Coagulation test: Partial thromboplastin time
- The partial thromboplastin time (PTT) test also measures the speed of clotting.
- but is primarily used to determine if heparin therapy is working. It can also help detect bleeding disorders.
What disease do you have ?
Prolonged PT- defective factor 7
Prolonged PTT: defective factor 8,9,11,12
Prolonged PTT and PT: defective factor 1,2,5,10
Normal PTT and PT: thrombocytopenia, factor 13 deficiency, mild form of von wilbrands disease, weak collagen
What is thrombocytopenia ?
- Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which you have a low blood platelet count
- Thrombocytopenia might occur as a result of a bone marrow disorder such as leukemia or an immune system problem. Or it can be a side effect of taking certain medications. It affects both children and adults.
- Immune thrombocytopenia is when antibodies bind to the protein GP2b-3a. These are cleared by Kupffer cells or splenic macrophages.
- hematoams - is a bad bruise
- cerebral hemorrhage - bleed in the brain
What is Glanzmanns Thrombasthenia ?
- condition which affects aggregation (clumping) of platelets
- autosomal recessive
- generally thought to be caused by lack of platelet aggregation.
- There is mutation in the glycoprotein 2b and or glycoprotein 3a, which makes it difficult for platelets to aggregate.
- Glanzmann thrombasthenia is a bleeding disorder that is characterized by prolonged or spontaneous bleeding starting from birth
- People with Glanzmann thrombasthenia tend to bruise easily, have frequent nosebleeds (epistaxis), and may bleed from the gums.
Describe Hemophilia ?
- Hemophilia is usually an inherited bleeding disorder in which the blood does not clot properly.
- Hemophilia is a blood disorder characterized by changes in clotting proteins.
- Hemophillia is a recessive sex -linked X - chromosome disorder, meaning the vast majority of sufferers are male.
- Haemophilia A is due to a deficiency of factor VIII
-whilst in Haemophilia B (Christmas disease) there is a lack of factor IX
- The severity of hemophilia that a person has is determined by the amount of factor in the blood. The lower the amount of the factor, the more likely it is that bleeding will occur which can lead to serious health problems.
Describe anti-platelet drug’s ?
- Blood platelets are inactive until damage to blood vessels or blood coagulation causes them to explode into sticky irregular cells that clump together and form a thrombus.
-The first antiplatelet drug was aspirin, which has been used to relieve pain for more than 100 years. In the mid-1960s, scientists showed that aspirin prevented platelets from clumping, and subsequent clinical trials showed that it reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack. In 1980, researchers showed that aspirin in very low doses (much lower than that required to relieve a headache) blocked the production of a chemical in platelets that is required for platelet clumping.
- During that time, better understanding of the process of platelet clumping allowed the development of designer antiplatelet drugs directed at specific targets. We now have more potent drugs, such as clopidogrel, dipyridamole, and abciximab. These drugs are used with aspirin and effectively prevent heart attack and stroke; they also prolong the lives of patients who have already had a heart attack.
Describe asprin ?
- Aspirin causes several different effects in the body, mainly the reduction of inflammation, analgesia (relief of pain), the prevention of clotting, and the reduction of fever
-Much of this is believed to be due to decreased production of prostaglandins and TXA2. Aspirin’s ability to suppress the production of prostaglandins and thromboxanes is due to its irreversible inactivation of the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme.
- Cyclooxygenase is required for prostaglandin and thromboxane synthesis. Aspirin acts as an acetylating agent where an acetyl group is covalently attached to a serine residue in the active site of the COX enzyme.[1] This makes aspirin different from other NSAIDs (such as diclofenac and ibuprofen), which are reversible inhibitors.
- Aspirin inhibits platelet cyclooxygenase, a key enzyme in thromboxane A2 (TXA2) generation.
- Thromboxane A2 triggers reactions that lead to platelet activation and aggregation, aspirin acts as a potent antiplatelet agent by inhibiting generation of this mediator.
-
What is aspirin effective against and what are its side effects ?
Aspirin dosing: Aspirin usually comes as 300mg tablets. The usual dose is 1 or 2 tablets, taken every 4 to 6 hours.
Describe anti - platelet drugs ?
- Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medicine. It prevents platelets (a type of blood cell) from sticking together and forming a dangerous blood clot.
- Clopidogrel is a ADP receptor antagonist
- clopidogrel selectively inhibits the binding of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to its platelet P2Y12 receptor and the subsequent ADP- mediated activation of the glycoprotein GPIIb/IIIa complex, thereby inhibiting platelet aggregation. This action is irreversible
pro-drug: means when you swallow the drug is inactive but when the drug goes through the liver it becomes activated. a biologically inactive compound which can be metabolized in the body to produce a drug.
- hepatic CYP2C19 is the enzyme which metabolizes clopidogrel in the liver.
What are the adverse effects of clopidogrel ?
- Clopidogrel can cause Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP).
Describe anti-coagulants ?
- Anticoagulants that prevent or reduce coagulation of blood, prolonging the clotting time
- Their primary goal is to reduce the formation of fibrin
- Can be further separated into 2 groups:
- Direct thrombin inhibitors
- Direct Factor Xa inhibitors
Describe heparin ?
- Heparin injection is an anticoagulant. It is given intravenously or by injection under the skin.
- It does this by activating antithrombin III.
- Specifically it is also used in the treatment of heart attacks and unstable angina.
-Other uses for its anticoagulant properties include inside blood specimen test tubes and kidney dialysis machines.
- Common side effects include bleeding, pain at the injection site, and low blood platelets.
-Serious side effects include heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)
-Heparin appears to be relatively safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Heparin is produced by basophils and mast cells in all mammals.
Describe the two main types of heparin ?
- Unfractionated heparin (UFH) - this forms a complex which inhibits thrombin, factors Xa, IXa, XIa and XIIa.
-Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) - this forms a complex that inhibits factor Xa.
- LMWH is a less potent anticoagulant than UFH.
-In general, the effects of UFH are more unpredictable than LMWH, and so LMWH is preferable in patients with massive pulmonary embolism and for the initial treatment of deep vein thrombosis.
-You normally use unfractionated heparin when testing blood clotting.
- Heparin Prevents activation factors 2,9,10,11
Clinical indications for heparin use ?
Heparin is used to treat or prevent clots in conditions where there is a high risk of clot formation and embolism, for example:
-in atrial fibrillation
- myocardial infarction
- deep vein thrombosis
-orthopaedic surgery
- pulmonary embolism
Contraindication:
- not used in patients who have had past or present HIT
- active bleeding
Side effects of heparin are:
- HIT (heparin induced thrombocytopenia
- Bleeding
-osteoporosis - hyperkalaemia.
The risk of these side effects is lower with low molecular weight heparin than unfractionated heparin.
Heparin overdose is reversed by protamine sulphate. This works better for unfractionated heparin than low molecular weight heparin, so in patients who are at a higher risk of bleeding, unfractionated heparin may be more useful.
Describe Warfarin ?
- Warfarin is an oral anticoagulant
- Vitamin K anatagonist
- That was used first-line for many years in both the management of venous thromboembolism and reducing stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation.
-
How does Warfarin work ?
-To produce some of the clotting factors, the liver needs a good supply of vitamin K. Warfarin blocks one of the enzymes (proteins) that uses vitamin K to produce clotting factors
- Warfarin competitively inhibits the vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1 (VKORC1), an essential enzyme for activating the vitamin K available in the body. Through this mechanism, warfarin can deplete functional vitamin K reserves and thereby reduce the synthesis of active clotting factors.
- The hepatic synthesis of coagulation factors II, VII, IX, and X, as well as coagulation regulatory factors protein C and protein S, require the presence of vitamin K.
-Vitamin K is an essential cofactor for the synthesis of all of these vitamin K-dependent clotting factors.
- inhibits epoxide reductase preventing the reduction of vitamin K to its active hydroquinone form
this in turn acts as a cofactor in the carboxylation of clotting factor II, VII, IX and X (mnemonic = 1972) and protein C.
Describe adverse effects of Heparin and Warfarin ?
Types of B cells ?
- Plasma cells and Memory B-cells
- Once activated, B lymphocytes can differentiate into plasma cells.
- Plasma cells are large cells with abundant endoplasmic reticulum, which allows them to produce large quantities of antibodies against specific antigens.
- They respond to signals from T cells during infection and continue to produce antibodies until the infection is controlled. Plasma cells are often found in chronic inflammation.
Memory B - cells:
- Some B lymphocytes will differentiate into memory B cells, which are are long-lived cells that remain within the body and allow a more rapid response to future infections.
- If the host is re-exposed to the same antigen, these cells rapidly proliferate with assistance from T cells. This produces more cells capable of secreting specific antibodies to the pathogen. This often means that the pathogen can be dealt with before the infection takes hold and becomes symptomatic.
T - independent B cells:
- B lymphocytes require T cells to produce antibodies. However, a small number can function without T cell help and these are found within sites such as the spleen and peritoneum.
-They are particularly important for dealing with encapsulated bacteria. Encapsulated bacteria have a polysaccharide outer layer as opposed to a protein-based one, which allows them to evade T cells. T-independent B cells can recognise these layers and produce antibodies without T cell help.
Describe IgA ?
- IgA is the most prevalent antibody in secretions, such as saliva and mucous
- There are two subclasses, IgA1 and IgA2.
- IgA forms a dimer, where a joining chain connects 2 Y-shaped molecules, giving it four antigen-binding sites in total.
- IgA antibodies are resistant to enzymatic digestion and act principally as neutralising antibodies.
- Breast milk and colostrum have high levels of IgA which coat the aerodigestive tracts; protecting against infections in breast-fed babies.
- In adults, IgA forms a barrier layer at mucosal surfaces to prevent pathogenic invasion. Plasma cells in the lamina propria produce excessive amounts of polymeric IgA which then moves by endocytosis through the epithelial layer to be secreted at the luminal side. IgA neutralises pathogens and hinders their attachment to epithelial receptors by binding to their ligands on pathogens or toxins.
- IgA molecules can also cross-link polyvalent antigens or pathogens, forming antigen-antibody complexes which are then trapped in the mucus layer and cleared through peristalsis.
- IgG and IgA antibodies also have polymorphic variants, referred to as allotypes
Describe IgM ?
IgM antibodies are expressed on the surface of B-cells as monomers but secreted as pentameters. A pentameter has five antibodies connected by a joining chain, with ten antigen-binding sites in total. It is the first immunoglobulin produced during foetal development and the first to be produced by B-cells against a new infection. IgM has high avidity, meaning the antibody-antigen complex is strong, but low affinity, so the strength of a single epitope-antibody interaction is weak.
Describe the basic structure of a IgG molecule ?
- Antibody molecules consist of two identical heavy chains and two identical light chains, which consequently give the antibody two antigen-binding sites
- Disulphide bonds bind the heavy chains to each other and to the light chains
- Each light chain has two domains (one variable and one constant), and each heavy chain has four (one variable and three constant).
-
Describe the variable and constant regions on an antibody ?
FAB regions:
- The Fab regions (fragment antigen binding) contain the variable domains of the light and heavy chains. The variable domains make up the variable regions of the antibody which give the antibody its antigen specificity.
-Therefore, these regions differ between antibodies. Each Fab region also contains two constant domains; one from the heavy chain component and one from the light chain component.
Fc region:
-The Fc region (fragment crystallisable) consists of the remaining constant domains from the two heavy chains. The Fc region interacts with different immune cells and mediates various functions. For example, opsonisation (see below).
How to we make antibodies of infinitely differently specificity ?
- 10 to the power of 11 different antibody combining sites.
Somatic recombination is how we can use such a small amount of genes to form such a large number of different antibody receptor binding site shapes. This happens when a B cell is maturing. Somatic recombination includes:
- Germ line diversity of genes
- Combinatorial diversity
- Junctional diversity
-Somatic hypermutation is when the antibody continues to change shape so the ligand fits better. This can continue during the life of the antibody.
What are the basic principles of somatic recombination ?
Describe the clonal selection of B- cells ?
- Specificity
- Amplification
Where does somatic hypermutation take place ?
- Somatic hypermutation occurs in germinal centers in lymphoid tissue.
Function of antibodies ?
- Opsonization: mainly IgG1 and IgG3 bind to the pathogen, which allows better recognition by phagocytes.
- Neutralization: mainly IgG and IgA. Antibodies can prevent pathogens from accessing cells by blocking different parts of the bacterial or viral cell surface. Consequently, this neutralises certain viruses and bacterial toxins.
- Complement activation: IgM or IgG. This releases C3b, which acts as an opsonin, and other complement components which make up the membrane attack complex. MAC punches holes in the pathogen plasma membrane which leads to cell lysis and death.
- Immune complexes: The binding of multiple antigens and antibodies together can form immune complexes. Complex formation limits the antigens’ diffusing ability, making it easier for phagocytes to find and ingest pathogens through phagocytosis.
- Antibody- dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity:
Antibodies bind and opsonise target cells. Natural killer cells then recognise the Fc portion of the antibody and release cytotoxic granules (perforin and granzymes) into the target cell which trigger apoptosis. They also release interferons, which attracts phagocytes
What is isotope switching ?
- Immunoglobin isotope switching is a biological mechanism that changes a B-cells production of immunoglobin from one type to another, such as from the isotype IgM to the isotype IgG.
- Immunoglobin isotopes appear at different times in our lives.
- IgG is passed on from mother before birth from placenta.
- Then we start synthesizing our own IgM, IgG and IgA after birth.
- Immunoglobin isotopes also have different tissue distribution.
- IgA: found around gastrointestinal tract, mucosa, respiratory tract
- IgE: protects external epithelium barrier
- IgM: around heart
Fc receptors are found on phagocytes.
- The constant end of the antibody is called Fc region. Fc receptors found on phagocytes can bind to the Fc region on antibodies.
- Image 2 is diplaying Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity
Helper T cells CD4+ help B - cells produce antibodies
Where do T cells come from ?
Structural similarity between T -cell and B- cell receptors ?
- The type of molecules recognized by T- cell receptors are distinct to what is recognised by a B- cell receptor.
- An epitope, also known as antigenic determinant, is the part of an antigen that is recognized by the immune system, specifically by antibodies, B cells, or T cells. The part of an antibody that binds to the epitope is called a paratope.
Major Histocompatibility complex
- Major Histocompatibility complex (MHC) transport fragments of pathogen protein to the surface membrane of the phagocyte.
- The t- cell receptor can then recognize it
- Then the t-cell tells the b -cell its okay to produce antibodies
- Many autoimmune diseases are caused by MHC picking up the wrong molecules
Describe antigen processing using MHC class 1 molecules ?
- Before an antigen can be presented, it must first be processed. Processing transforms proteins into antigenic peptides.
- ntracellular peptides for MHC class I presentation are made by proteases and the proteasome in the cytosol, then transported into the endoplasmic reticulum via TAP (Transporter associated with Antigen Processing) to be further processed.
- Proteasomes are protein complexes which degrade unneeded or damaged proteins by proteolysis
-They are then assembled together with MHC I molecules and travel to the cell surface ready for presentation.
Describe antigen processing using MHC class 2 molecules ?
-The route of processing for exogenous antigens for MHC class II presentation begins with endocytosis of the antigen. Once inside the cell, they are encased within endosomes that acidify and activate proteases, to degrade the antigen.
-MHC class II molecules are transported into endocytic vesicles where they bind peptide antigen, and then travel to the cell surface.
Describe co-receptors ?
-As well as the TCR, another T cell molecule is required for antigen recognition and is known as a co-receptor. These are either a CD4 or CD8 molecule:
-CD4 is present on T helper cells and only binds to antigen-MHC II complexes.
-CD8 is present on cytotoxic T cells and only binds to antigen-MHC I complexes.
-This therefore leads to very different effects. Antigens presented with MHC II will activate T helper cells and antigens presented with MHC I activate cytotoxic T cells. Cytotoxic T cells will kill the cells that they recognise, whereas T helper cells have a broader range of effects on the presenting cell such as activation to produce antibodies (in the case of B cells) or activation of macrophages to kill their intracellular pathogens.
How does autoimmune disease develop ?
Describe cytotoxic T -cells
-Cytotoxic T lymphocytes kill their target cells primarily by releasing cytotoxic granules into the target cell. These cells recognise their specific antigen (such as fragments of viruses) only when presented on MHC Class I molecules present on the surface of all nucleated cells.
- MHC Class I molecules interact with CD8 on the cytotoxic T cells. Cytotoxic T cells require several signals from other cells like dendritic cells and T helper cells to be activated.
-Their main function is to kill virally infected cells, but they also kill cells with intracellular bacteria or tumorous cells.
T - helper lymphocytes ?
- T helper cells (Th) have a wide range of effector functions and can differentiate into many different subtypes, such as Th1, Th2, Th17, TfH cells and regulatory T cells.
-They become activated when they are presented with peptide antigens on MHC Class II molecules. These are expressed on the surface of APCs. MHC Class II molecules interact with CD4 on the T helper cells, which helps identify this cell type.
-CD4+ T cell functions include activating other immune cells, releasing cytokines, and helping B cells to produce antibodies. They help to shape, activate and regulate the adaptive imm
Describe memory T- cells ?
- Antigen-specific, long-lived memory T lymphocytes form following an infection. Memory T lymphocytes are important because they can quickly proliferate into large numbers of effector T lymphocyte upon re-exposure to the antigen and have a low threshold for activation.
- They provide the immune system with memory against previously encountered antigens. Memory T lymphocytes may either be CD4+ or CD8+.
Describe memory T- cells ?
- Antigen-specific, long-lived memory T lymphocytes form following an infection. Memory T lymphocytes are important because they can quickly proliferate into large numbers of effector T lymphocyte upon re-exposure to the antigen and have a low threshold for activation.
- They provide the immune system with memory against previously encountered antigens. Memory T lymphocytes may either be CD4+ or CD8+.
Describe the different types of T-helper cells ?
- T helper cells (Th) have a wide range of effector functions and can differentiate into many different subtypes, such as Th1, Th2, Th17, TfH cells and regulatory T cells.
Describe TFH cells ?
Tfh ( T follicular helper cells ) CD4+
Cytokines: IL- 21 and IL-6
Function:
-Help formation of germinal centres and B cell antibody affinity maturation. Germinal centre formation.
-B cell antibody isotype switching.
-Antibody affinity maturation.
-Enables B cells to develop into plasma cells for Long term humoral immunity
Transcription factor: Bcl6
Describe Th1 ( T helper 1 cells) ?
- TH1 (T helper 1 cells ) CD4+
- Cytokines : IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-2
Function:
-Activates macrophages.
-Helps cytotoxic T-cells.
-Provides B-cell help for antibody production
-Activation of phagocytes for enhanced killing of intracellular pathogens
Target audience:
- Intracellular (mycobacteria, listeria, leishmania)
-extracellular bacteria.
-Fungi
Transcription factor: T-bet
Describe TH2 helper cells ?
- Th2 (T helper 2) cells CD4+
- Cytokines: IL- 4
Function:
- Provide help to B cells for antibody production- especially IgE antibodies.
- Activates eosinophils and mast cells.
Target audience:
- Helminth
-Extracellular Parasites
Transcription factors:
-GATA3
-STAT6
Describe TH17 helper cells ?
Th17 (T helper 17) cells CD4+
Cytokines stimulus : IL-6, IL-21, TGF-β
Cytokine production: IL-17
Function:
-Enhance neutrophil response.
-Improve epithelial barrier function.
-Activation of neutrophils / anti-fungal responses / autoimmunity
Target audience: Extracellular bacteria (e.g. Salmonella enterica)
Transcription factors: ROR-γT
STAT3
Describe T regulatory cells?
Function:
- Suppresses other immune cells, particularly CD4+ and CD8+ responses.
Cytokines: TGF-β
Transcription factor: Foxp3
Sometimes T -cells stop working
