W1

Question 2

What are the main functions of the immune system?

Answer 2

• Distinguish self from non-self
• Monitor for infectious agents
• Heal wounds and repair tissue
• Clean up after apoptosis
• Produce antibodies against specific antigens for faster response in future encounters

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Question 3

What are PAMPs, and why are they significant?

Answer 3

Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs) are molecular structures on pathogens that trigger immune system activation.

Examples include LPS on Gram-negative bacteria, lipoteichoic acids on Gram-positive bacteria, and viral genetic material.

Question 4

Name three key cell types involved in innate immunity.

Answer 4

• Neutrophils: Rapid response to infection
• Macrophages: Engulf and digest pathogens
• Natural Killer (NK) cells: Destroy infected or cancerous cells

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Question 5

What distinguishes innate immunity from adaptive immunity?

Answer 5

• Innate immunity: Non-specific, rapid response, no memory
• Adaptive immunity: Specific, slower response, has memory

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Question 6

Which cells produce antibodies?

Answer 6

B cells differentiate into plasma cells to produce antibodies.

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Question 7

What are CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and how do they differ?

Answer 7

• CD4+ T cells: Helper T cells that activate other immune cells
• CD8+ T cells: Cytotoxic T cells that kill infected cells

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Question 8

Name two granulocytes and their roles.

Answer 8

• Basophils: Involved in allergic reactions
• Eosinophils: Combat parasitic infections

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Question 9

What are dendritic cells, and what is their role?

Answer 9

Dendritic cells are antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that activate T cells by presenting pathogen-derived antigens.

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Question 10

How does the immune system recognize non-self molecules?

Answer 10

Through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that detect PAMPs.

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Question 11

What is the difference between cell-mediated and humoral immunity?

Answer 11

• Cell-mediated immunity: Involves T cells attacking infected or abnormal cells
• Humoral immunity: Involves B cells producing antibodies

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Question 12

Describe the main differences between innate and adaptive immunity, including their key components.

Answer 12

• Innate immunity:
  
  • Rapid, non-specific response
  • Key components: Physical barriers (skin, mucosa), cells (neutrophils, macrophages, NK cells), and PAMP recognition
• Adaptive immunity:
  
  • Slower, specific response with memory
  • Key components: T cells (CD4+, CD8+), B cells, and antibodies

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Question 13

Explain the role of dendritic cells in bridging innate and adaptive immunity.

Answer 13

Dendritic cells are antigen-presenting cells that capture pathogens, migrate to lymph nodes, present antigens to T cells, and activate the adaptive immune response.

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Question 14

How do PAMPs and PRRs contribute to immune system activation?

Answer 14

• PAMPs are conserved pathogen molecules (e.g., LPS, viral RNA)
• PRRs, like Toll-like receptors (TLRs), detect PAMPs and trigger signaling pathways that activate immune cells

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Question 15

What are the roles of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the immune response?

Answer 15

• CD4+ T cells: Help activate B cells, cytotoxic T cells, and macrophages
• CD8+ T cells: Destroy infected or cancerous cells by inducing apoptosis

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Question 16

Why is antibody production important, and how do B cells contribute to this process?

Answer 16

• Antibodies neutralize pathogens, mark them for destruction, and prevent reinfection
• B cells recognize antigens, proliferate, and differentiate into plasma cells, which produce specific antibodies

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