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Questions and Answers
Which of the following correctly describes a characteristic of MHC class II molecules?
Which autoimmune disease is known to primarily affect the joints?
What is a significant factor in the success of organ transplants?
Which statement about autoimmune disorders is accurate?
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How are MHC genes significant in organ transplants?
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What is the role of T-helper (Th) cells in the adaptive immune system?
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How do Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) proteins function in the immune system?
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What distinguishes innate immunity from adaptive immunity?
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What is the consequence of the immune system mistakenly attacking self-cells?
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What is the initial action taken by neutrophils upon detecting pathogens in the innate immune response?
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Which cells are responsible for producing long-term immunity in the adaptive immune response?
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What do B cells produce to directly combat pathogens?
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What type of antigens do MHC I molecules specifically present?
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Study Notes
Overview of Immune System
- The immune system is divided into two major mechanisms: Innate and Adaptive Immune Systems.
Innate Immune System
- Acts as the primary response to pathogens entering the bloodstream.
- Detects foreign antigens on pathogens' surfaces.
- Neutrophils and macrophages perform phagocytosis to break down pathogens.
Adaptive Immune System
- Serves as the secondary response, activated by phagocytes.
- T-helper (Th) cells activate both B cells and T-killer cells.
- Cytotoxic T (Tc) cells directly kill infected pathogens.
- T-memory (Tm) cells provide long-term immunity by remembering past pathogens.
- Activated B cells produce antibodies to eliminate pathogens and generate plasma cells for additional antibodies.
Antigens
- Antigens are molecules on cell surfaces that trigger immune responses, primarily proteins.
- They help the immune system distinguish between self-cells and foreign pathogens.
- Majority of antigens in pathogens are absent from normal cells, allowing for identification and targeting.
Self and Non-Self
- The immune system avoids attacking self-cells, which prevents autoimmune diseases.
- Autoimmune diseases can be fatal as they involve the immune system targeting normal cells.
- Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) proteins distinguish self from non-self:
- MHC I molecules are on normal body cells, binding endogenous antigens to signal self-identity.
- MHC II molecules are found on immune system cells, binding foreign antigens to activate immune responses.
Autoimmune Disorders
- Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system attacks its own tissues and can be either acute or chronic.
- Examples include Type I diabetes (treatable but chronic), rheumatoid arthritis (affects joints), and systemic lupus erythematosus (can affect multiple organs).
Non-Self and Rejection
- The immune system can mistakenly attack non-self cells, complicating organ transplants.
- Rejection occurs if the donor organ does not match the recipient’s immunological profile.
- MHC genes vary among individuals, making foreign cells, even from other humans, identifiable as non-self and subject to immune attack.
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Description
This quiz provides a comprehensive overview of the immune system, emphasizing its two major components: the innate immune system and the adaptive immune response. You will learn how the body detects pathogens and the role of various immune cells in response to infection. Understand the basics of immune responses and their importance in maintaining health.
