Adaptive Immunity and Disorders

Definition: A specific immune response that develops over time and provides long-lasting protection.
Key Components:
- B cells: Produce antibodies that bind to antigens.
- T cells: Helper T cells (CD4+) assist in activating B cells and cytotoxic T cells (CD8+) kill infected cells.
Antigen Presentation: Dendritic cells present antigens to T cells, initiating the adaptive immune response.
Memory Cells: Long-lived B and T cells that facilitate a quicker response upon re-exposure to the same pathogen.

Autoimmune Diseases: The immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus).
Immunodeficiency Disorders: Weakness in the immune system, leading to increased susceptibility to infections (e.g., HIV/AIDS, congenital disorders).
Allergies: Hypersensitive responses to harmless substances (allergens) leading to conditions like asthma and hay fever.
Chronic Inflammation: Persistent immune response that can lead to tissue damage and diseases (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease).

Types of Vaccines:
- Live-attenuated: Weakened pathogens that stimulate a strong immune response.
- Inactivated: Killed pathogens that are safer but may require multiple doses.
- Subunit: Contains only parts of the pathogen (e.g., proteins).
- mRNA: Provides genetic instructions for cells to produce antigens.
Herd Immunity: Vaccination of a significant portion of the population protects those who are unvaccinated.
Booster Shots: Additional doses to enhance or prolong immunity.

Humoral Immunity: Mediated by antibodies produced by B cells that neutralize pathogens and mark them for destruction.
Cell-Mediated Immunity: Involves T cells that directly kill infected cells or help activate other immune cells.
Cytokines: Signaling proteins that regulate immune responses by facilitating communication between cells.
Complement System: A group of proteins that enhance the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear pathogens.

Definition: The first line of defense, providing immediate but non-specific responses to pathogens.
Key Components:
- Physical barriers: Skin and mucous membranes that prevent pathogen entry.
- Cellular components: Phagocytes (e.g., macrophages, neutrophils) that engulf and destroy pathogens.
- Chemical mediators: Antimicrobial peptides and enzymes that inhibit pathogen growth.
Inflammatory Response: A rapid response that increases blood flow and recruits immune cells to the site of infection.
Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs): Recognize common features of pathogens (e.g., Toll-like receptors) to activate innate responses.

Defines a specific immune response developed over time for long-lasting protection against pathogens.
B cells produce antibodies that specifically bind to and neutralize antigens.
T cells include helper T cells (CD4+) that activate B cells and cytotoxic T cells (CD8+) that destroy infected cells.
Antigen Presentation is performed by dendritic cells, which present antigens to T cells to initiate the adaptive response.
Memory Cells are long-lived B and T cells allowing for a faster immune response upon re-encounter with the same pathogen.

Autoimmune Diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy body tissues; examples include rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Immunodeficiency Disorders signify a weakened immune system that increases vulnerability to infections; notable conditions include HIV/AIDS and certain congenital disorders.
Allergies are hypersensitive reactions to non-harmful substances (allergens), leading to issues like asthma and hay fever.
Chronic Inflammation represents a prolonged immune response that can cause tissue damage and contribute to diseases like inflammatory bowel disease.

Types of Vaccines:
- Live-attenuated vaccines contain weakened pathogens that provoke a robust immune response.
- Inactivated vaccines involve killed pathogens, considered safer but may need multiple doses for effectiveness.
- Subunit vaccines comprise only specific parts of the pathogen (e.g., proteins) to elicit an immune response.
- mRNA vaccines deliver genetic instructions to cells, enabling them to produce antigens.
Herd Immunity occurs when a sufficient portion of the population is vaccinated, providing indirect protection to unvaccinated individuals.
Booster Shots are supplementary doses administered to enhance or prolong existing immunity.

Humoral Immunity is characterized by antibody production from B cells that neutralize pathogens and mark them for destruction.
Cell-Mediated Immunity involves the actions of T cells, which either directly kill infected cells or support the activation of additional immune cells.
Cytokines are signaling proteins essential for regulating and coordinating immune responses, facilitating cell communication.
The Complement System consists of proteins that heighten the efficacy of antibodies and phagocytic cells in eliminating pathogens.

Serves as the first line of defense, delivering immediate but non-specific reactions to pathogens.
Physical Barriers include skin and mucous membranes that obstruct pathogen entry into the body.
Cellular Components feature phagocytes, such as macrophages and neutrophils, responsible for engulfing and destroying pathogens.
Chemical Mediators entail antimicrobial peptides and enzymes that help inhibit pathogen proliferation.
The Inflammatory Response results in increased blood flow and recruitment of immune cells to infection sites, promoting healing.
Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs), including Toll-like receptors, identify common features of pathogens to activate innate immune responses.