Immunology and Exercise Benefits Quiz

The process where a protein antigen is broken down into smaller pieces called peptides.

The way a cell displays a processed antigen on its surface, using a special molecule called MHC.

Special cells that can process and present antigens to T helper cells.

White blood cells that play a crucial role in cell-mediated immunity.

The specific recognition of an antigen by the TCR on a T cell.

Molecules that help T cells recognize MHC and activate.

A type of T cell that helps activate other immune cells, especially B cells, to produce antibodies.

A type of T cell that directly kills infected cells.

Naïve B lymphocytes express membrane-bound IgM and IgD antibodies that act as receptors for antigens. Two or more antigen molecules must bind to adjacent Ig receptors on a B cell to initiate signaling. This cross-linking occurs through aggregation or repeating epitopes on the antigen.

B lymphocytes can be activated by two routes: T-dependent antigens and T-independent antigens. Most antigens require T helper cells for antibody production.

In T-dependent activation, B cells require interaction with T helper cells and specific cytokines for proliferation and differentiation into effector cells. This interaction is crucial for antibody production. T-dependent antigens are complex and typically protein-based.

T-independent antigens can activate B lymphocytes directly without the help of T helper cells. These simpler antigens often have repetitive epitopes, like polysaccharides or lipids. The response is usually weaker and shorter-lived compared to T-dependent activation.

Activation of B lymphocytes by antigen binding leads to proliferation and differentiation into plasma cells and memory B cells. Plasma cells produce antibodies specific to the activating antigen, while memory B cells help mount a faster and more robust response upon subsequent exposure to the same antigen.

Antibodies are proteins that bind to specific antigens, triggering a cascade of events that neutralize or eliminate the antigen. This includes: opsonization: enhancing phagocytosis; neutralization: blocking antigen activity; complement activation: triggering immune cell lysis; antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC): recruiting NK cells to kill antigen-bearing cells.

The initial encounter with an antigen triggers a slower, weaker primary immune response. This response involves B cell activation and the production of antibodies specific to the antigen. It takes time for the immune system to mount a significant defense. Memory B cells are generated during this response.

Upon subsequent exposure to the same antigen due to a secondary immune response, a much faster and more robust immune response occurs. Memory B cells quickly differentiate into antibody-producing plasma cells, leading to rapid antigen neutralization and elimination. The secondary response is characterized by higher antibody levels, faster response time, and longer duration.

Antibodies bind to multiple antigens on microbes, causing them to clump together. This reduces their spread and makes them easier for phagocytes to engulf.

Antibodies trigger a cascade reaction, forming a complex that punches holes in microbes, causing them to burst.

Antibodies coat microbes, like a flag, signaling to phagocytes to come eat them.

Antibodies block the binding of microbes to cells and neutralize their toxins, preventing infection and damage.

Antibodies attached to target cells signal to natural killer cells or other immune cells to destroy them.

Antibodies can attach to cilia and flagella of bacteria and protozoa, reducing their movement and making them easier for phagocytes to engulf.

CD4+ T helper (TH) cells activate macrophages to destroy ingested microbes that survive inside phagocytes.

Macrophages kill ingested microbes by producing substances like reactive oxygen intermediates, nitric oxide, and lysosomal enzymes.

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) kill cells infected with intracellular microbes by inducing programmed cell death (apoptosis).

The perforin/granzyme pathway involves CTLs releasing perforin (to puncture cell membranes) and granzyme (to trigger cell death).

The Fas/FasL pathway involves CTLs binding to Fas receptors on target cells, triggering apoptosis.

Immunization is a process of artificially inducing an immune response to an antigen.

Immunization aims to make the body resistant to infection by exposing it to an antigen, leading to antibody production.

Immunization involves exposing individuals to weakened or inactive forms of pathogens (antigens) to stimulate an immune response.

Moderate exercise strengthens the immune system by boosting blood flow and circulating antibodies and white blood cells to fight infections faster.

Short-term stress can actually boost your immune system, but prolonged stress weakens it, making you more susceptible to infections.

Deep sleep releases growth hormone, a powerful immune booster that aids in growth and repair.

Water keeps your immune system functioning optimally, which in turn helps your overall health and well-being.

Eating a nutritious diet provides your body with the essential nutrients needed to maintain strong cells and a robust immune system.

The ability of an organism to recognize and neutralize foreign substances, such as pathogens, without causing harm to its own tissues.

The body's immune response to a pathogen it has encountered before. This can be acquired through natural infection or vaccination.

Develops after exposure to a specific pathogen through natural infection. The body produces memory cells to fight off the pathogen in the future.

Develops after receiving a vaccine, which exposes the body to a weakened or inactive form of a pathogen. The body still produces memory cells.

A weakened or inactive form of a pathogen used to trigger an immune response without causing disease.

A harmless, weakened or inactive form of a pathogen that stimulates an immune response, leading to immunity.

A non-poisonous, but still immunogenic, toxin extracted from a pathogen. Used in vaccines to stimulate an immune response against the toxin itself.

The process of injecting a vaccine into the body to induce immunity against a specific disease.