Immunochemistry Quiz

Study Notes

Immunochemistry is the field that studies the chemistry of the immune system.
This field focuses on the chemical components involved in immune responses, including antibodies (immunoglobulins), antigens, cytokines, chemokines, and other related molecules.
It investigates how these components interact and their roles in both normal immune function and disease processes.

Antibodies/Immunoglobulins: Proteins produced by B cells that specifically bind to antigens, these mark the antigens for destruction via other immune cells.
Antigens: Substances that provoke an immune response; they can be proteins, polysaccharides, or other molecules found on pathogens or foreign substances. These are essentially the substances the immune system recognises as foreign.
Cytokines/Chemokines: Signaling proteins that mediate and regulate immunity, inflammation, and hematopoiesis. These proteins carry messages between immune cells and direct them toward immune responses.
Epitopes: Specific parts of an antigen recognized by antibodies; these are the "handles" on the antigen that antibodies grab onto.

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA): A plate-based assay technique designed for detecting and quantifying proteins, hormones, antibodies, or antigens.
Immunoblotting (Western Blot): A method used to detect specific proteins in a sample using gel electrophoresis followed by transfer to a membrane and probing with antibodies.
Immunohistochemistry (IHC): A technique used to visualize the presence and location of specific antigens in tissue sections using labeled antibodies.
Immunofluorescence: Similar to IHC but uses fluorescently labeled antibodies to detect antigens under a fluorescence microscope.

Medical Diagnostics: Immunochemical techniques are used to diagnose diseases, such as cancer, by identifying specific markers within tissue samples.
Research: Immunochemical methods are employed in various studies, helping researchers understand disease mechanisms at a molecular level.
Therapeutics Development: Understanding how immune components interact with pathogens or diseased cells allows for the development of new drug treatments.

Svante Arrhenius laid the foundation for immunochemistry with his 1907 publication "Immunochemistry”.
Early examples of immunochemistry include the Wasserman test for syphilis, a diagnostic test for the bacteria that causes syphilis.

A complex physiological reaction that occurs within an organism to defend against harmful invaders such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other foreign substances.
The immune system is essential for maintaining health and preventing infections.

The body’s first line of defense against pathogens. It's non-specific and responds quickly to any foreign invader without prior exposure.
Includes:
- Physical Barriers: Skin and mucous membranes that act as barriers to prevent pathogens from entering the body.
- Cellular Components: White blood cells like neutrophils and macrophages that identify and destroy pathogens.
- Chemical Factors: Proteins and chemicals including cytokines and complement proteins that help mediate the immune response.
Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) on immune cells recognize specific structures known as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) when a pathogen breaches the body's barriers.
This recognition triggers a cascade of immune responses aimed at eliminating the threat.

Develops over time through exposure to specific antigens, leading to a more sophisticated response.
Includes:
- Lymphocytes: B cells and T cells are the central players in acquired immunity. B cells produce antibodies that target specific antigens, while T cells directly attack infected or cancerous cells.
- Memory Cells: After an initial exposure, some B and T cells become memory cells. These cells enable a faster and more effective response upon subsequent exposure to the same antigen.