Immune System Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the main function of lymphocytes in the immune system?

Store oxygen for cellular respiration

Regulate body temperature

Transport nutrients to cells

Help the body fight infection and disease (correct)

Which organ is primarily responsible for producing new blood cells?

Liver

Bone Marrow (correct)

Thymus

Spleen

What role do mucous membranes play in the immune system?

Protect the body from external germs (correct)

Filter blood and make blood cells

Conduct nerve impulses

Store nutrients and energy

How does the spleen contribute to the immune response?

It filters and stores blood, as well as producing immune cells Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT influence immune function?

Color of clothing Signup and view all the answers

What does 'immune memory' refer to?

The capacity to recognize and respond to pathogens after initial exposure Signup and view all the answers

What do tonsils help to filter out from the body?

Bacteria and other germs Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the lymphatic vessels is accurate?

They collect lymph and return it to the bloodstream Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the thymus in the immune system?

To make and train T-cells Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes a characteristic of lymph nodes?

They act as filters for substances in lymphatic fluid Signup and view all the answers

What leads to autoimmunity in the immune system?

The immune system attacking its own healthy tissues Signup and view all the answers

Which type of immunity is present at birth and is non-specific?

Natural Immunity Signup and view all the answers

What condition is characterized by inappropriate immune responses to specific antigens?

Hypersensitivity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of Active Immunity?

Immunity gained from a previous infection Signup and view all the answers

Which conditions are examples of autoimmune disorders?

Multiple Sclerosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of macrophages in the immune system?

To engulf and digest pathogens Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of B lymphocytes in the immune system?

To produce antibodies and participate in humoral immunity Signup and view all the answers

Which type of immunodeficiency is classified as genetic?

Primary immunodeficiency Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of immune cell involved in cellular immunity?

B lymphocytes Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Type I hypersensitivity reactions?

Involves IgE antibodies Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes gammopathies?

Excessive levels of antibody globulins in the blood Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of immunotherapy in cancer treatment?

To enhance the immune system's ability to fight cancer Signup and view all the answers

Which immunotherapeutic strategy involves the use of engineered immune cells?

CAR T-cell therapy Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the proliferation stage of the immune response?

B and T cells multiply in response to antigens Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of interferons in the immune response?

They help the body fight infections and other diseases. Signup and view all the answers

What technology allows for the manipulation of DNA to enhance immune function?

Recombinant DNA technology Signup and view all the answers

Which type of interferon is NOT mentioned as part of the four types?

Interferon-delta Signup and view all the answers

What are colony-stimulating factors primarily responsible for in the immune system?

Controlling the production and growth of blood cells Signup and view all the answers

How do stem cells contribute to therapy in medicine?

By differentiating into any cell type and regenerating tissues Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a clinical application of colony-stimulating factors?

Directly targeting tumors for destruction Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism is involved in producing a variety of interferons?

Transcription factors binding to specific genes Signup and view all the answers

Which type of therapy was NOT mentioned in relation to stem cells?

Antigen therapy Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of monoclonal antibodies?

To seek out and destroy foreign antigens Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of primary immune deficiency?

Caused by environmental factors Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of secondary immune deficiency?

Environmental factors such as infections Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Acquired Immune Deficiency?

Weakening of the immune system due to disease Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors does NOT affect immune function?

High physical activity Signup and view all the answers

Which diagnostic evaluation method assists directly in assessing immune function?

Blood tests Signup and view all the answers

What describes psychoneuroimmunology?

The relationship between psychological processes and immune response Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is classified as a secondary immune deficiency?

HIV-related immune suppression Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Immune System

Body’s defense mechanism against invasion by foreign substances, allowing a rapid response to foreign substances
Composed of various cell types including mucous membranes, lymphatic vessels, tonsils, thymus, lymph nodes, and skin
Bone marrow is the primary site of blood cell production (hematopoiesis) in birds and mammals
Spleen stores and filters blood, making blood cells that protect against infection
Factors influencing immune function include central nervous system integrity, physical and emotional status, medications, dietary patterns, and stress

Immune Memory

Property of the immune system that provides protection against harmful microbial agents despite the timing of re-exposure

Tolerance

Immune system is programmed to eliminate foreign substances, but maintains the ability to accept self-antigens.
Examples include microbes, toxins, and cellular mutations

Surveillance

Immune system is in a perpetual state of vigilance, screening and rejecting any invader that is recognized as foreign to the host.

Immune System Disorders

Autoimmunity: Normal protective immune response paradoxically turns against or attacks the body, leading to tissue damage. The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues and cells due to perceiving them as harmful.
- Examples: Type I Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple sclerosis, SLE
Hypersensitivity: Body produces inappropriate or exaggerated responses to specific antigens. Typically refers to hypersensitivity reactions, which are excessive immune responses that can cause tissue damage and result in various allergic or immune-related conditions, including Type I (IgE antibodies), Type II (cytotoxic IgG IgM antibodies), Type III (immune complexes), and Type IV (delayed reaction by cellular response).
Immunodeficiencies: Primary (genetic) or secondary (acquired) leading to increased susceptibility to infections.
Gammopathies: Overproduction of immunoglobulins. Refers to excessive levels of antibody globulins in the blood.

Immune System Responses

Natural Immunity: Present at birth, non-specific defense against pathogens, involving cells like macrophages and neutrophils
Acquired Immunity: Develops after exposure to pathogens or vaccinations
- Active Immunity: Developed by the body (long-lasting)
  - Natural (chicken pox, measles)
  - Artificial (hepa b vaccine, tetanus toxoid vaccine)
- Passive Immunity: Transferred from another source (temporary)
  - Natural
  - Artificial (Immunoglobulins. Post-exposure prophylaxis, serotherapy)

Immune Cell Types

B Lymphocytes (B Cells): Produce antibodies and are involved in humoral immunity.
T Lymphocytes (T Cells): Participate in cellular immunity.
- Helper T Cells: Assist in immune responses by activating other immune cells.
- Cytotoxic T Cells: Destroy infected cells or cancerous cells.
- Natural Killer Cells: Kill cells that lack MHC class I molecules, which are often cancerous cells.

Cancer & Immunotherapy

Cancer: Recent advancements aim to enhance the immune system’s ability to combat cancer.
Immunotherapy: A type of cancer treatment that helps your immune system fight cancer.
- Immunotherapeutic strategies:
  - Monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs)
  - Cancer vaccines
  - Immune checkpoint inhibitors
  - CAR T-cell therapy

Immunomodulators

Also known as “biologic response modifier”
Treatments that modify the immune response, such as interferons, colony-stimulating factors, and monoclonal antibodies, are used to enhance immune function in various diseases.

Interferons

Natural substance that helps the body’s immune system fight infection and other diseases, such as cancer.
Made in the body (white blood cells and other cells) and the laboratory.
Four types:
- Interferon-alpha (alfa)
- Interferon-beta
- Interferon-gamma
- Interferon-lambda

Colony-stimulating Factors

Proteins that help control the production and growth of blood cells in the body.
Play a role in making sure these cells develop properly, survive, and become active when needed.
Examples:
- Interkulin 5
- Stem cell factor
- GCSF

Monoclonal Antibodies

Also known as moAbds or mAbs
Proteins made in laboratories that act like proteins called antibodies in our bodies.
They seek out the antigens (foreign materials) and stick to them to destroy them.
Laboratory-made monoclonal antibodies help stimulate our immune system.

Assessment of Immune Function

Health history and physical examination
Blood tests
Bone Marrow biopsy
Skin tests

Factors Affecting Immune Function

Infection
Allergy
Disorders and diseases
Gender differences
Aging (immunosenescence)
Immunization
Psychoneuroimmunology

Nursing Implications

Nurses should assess and monitor for signs of immune dysfunction, ensuring prompt intervention and management.

Primary Immune Deficiency

Born with a weak immune system
Rare genetic disorders that impair the immune system.
Examples: IgA deficiency, common variable immunodeficiency (CIV), and severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID), also known as “bubble boy disease”

Secondary Immune Deficiency

Immune system is compromised due to an environmental factor.
Examples: Chemotherapy, radiation therapy (RT), chronic disease, burns, HIV, and leukemia.

Acquired Immune Deficiency

Get a disease that weakens the immune system.
Disease of the immune system caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
Targets the body’s white blood cells, weakening the immune system.

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Description

Explore the intricate workings of the immune system, examining its mechanisms for defending against foreign invaders. This quiz covers components such as immune memory, tolerance, and surveillance, highlighting the factors that influence immune function. Test your knowledge on how the body maintains its health against infections and diseases.