[W1] Intro to immunology Flashcards
(29 cards)
What is the immune system’s primary role?
To defend the body against pathogens and distinguish self from non-self.
What are the two major types of immunity?
Innate (natural) and adaptive (acquired) immunity.
Why is immunology clinically important?
It helps us understand infections, vaccine development, immunodeficiencies, autoimmunity, and allergies.
How quickly does innate immunity respond?
Within hours; it is immediate and non-specific.
How quickly does adaptive immunity respond?
Within days; it is specific and develops memory.
What are two key features of adaptive immunity?
Specificity and memory.
What are key immune cells?
Macrophages, neutrophils, B cells, T cells, lymphocytes.
Name three major lymphoid organs.
Thymus, bone marrow, spleen.
What is MALT?
Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, found in tonsils, Peyer’s patches, etc.
What type of immunity do B cells provide?
Humoral immunity – via production of antibodies.
Where are B cells mainly located?
In the spleen and lymph nodes.
What do antibodies do?
Bind extracellular pathogens and label them for destruction.
What are monoclonal antibodies?
Identical antibodies from a single B cell clone – used for diagnosis or therapy.
What is the role of cytotoxic T cells?
Kill infected or abnormal cells directly.
What do helper T cells do?
Secrete cytokines to activate and regulate immune responses.
What is clonal selection theory?
Each B cell has a unique receptor; the antigen ‘selects’ the best fit → that B cell expands.
Who proposed clonal selection theory?
Jerne and Burnet (Nobel Prize winners).
Who developed the first vaccine and for what?
Edward Jenner for smallpox using cowpox fluid.
What is the difference between primary and secondary immune responses?
Primary is slow and weak; secondary is faster and stronger due to memory cells.
What is immune tolerance?
The system’s ability to avoid responding to self-antigens.
What is active immunisation?
The body generates its own response (e.g. vaccination).
What is passive immunisation?
Pre-formed antibodies are given (e.g. antiserum for snake venom).
What is SCID?
Severe Combined Immunodeficiency – inherited failure of both B and T cell immunity.
What is AIDS caused by?
HIV virus destroying helper T cells.
