Immunology: Interleukins and Antibodies

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which type of white blood cells are primarily involved in the early stages of periodontal disease?

Macrophages

Neutrophils (correct)

Plasma cells

Lymphocytes (B and T cells)

What is the primary cause of periodontal disease?

Stress

Smoking

Genetic predisposition

Poor oral hygiene leading to biofilm accumulation (correct)

Which of the following is a characteristic of the established lesion stage of periodontal disease?

Acute inflammation

Collagen destruction (correct)

Visible swelling

Reversible inflammation

What is the primary role of lymphocytes (B and T cells) in periodontal disease?

Producing antibodies and mediating specific immunity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of the advanced lesion stage of periodontal disease?

Pocket formation Signup and view all the answers

What is a local risk factor for periodontal disease?

Calculus (plaque retentive) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the primary role of neutrophils in the immune response?

Being the first line of defense against invading pathogens Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of interleukins in the immune response?

Activating the production of antibodies by B cells Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential outcome when bacterial presence and an inadequate immune response occur simultaneously?

Periodontal destruction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following immunoglobulins is primarily found in saliva?

IgA Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of macrophages in the innate immune response?

Phagocytosing and killing microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a physical barrier that serves as part of the innate immune system?

Gingival crevicular fluid Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main functions of biofilm Quorum sensing in bacteria?

Controlling virulence Signup and view all the answers

Which process involves the sharing of genetic code-containing proteins among bacteria?

Transcription of genes Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of elastase production by bacteria in biofilm formation?

Breaking down elastic fibres Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of the body's innate immunity?

Natural killer cells Signup and view all the answers

How does the complement cascade contribute to the immune response in the oral cavity?

Activating phagocytosis for pathogen removal Signup and view all the answers

In bacterial communication, what is the function of signalling molecules released by bacteria?

Initiating inflammatory responses Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Interleukins and B Lymphocytes

Interleukins are chemical messengers released by T cells to switch on B Lymphocytes.
B cells turn into plasma cells, which release antibodies to search for and attach to antigens.
Antibody-bound antigens are recognized by WBC macrophages and neutrophils for phagocytosis.

Antibody Types

IgG is an antibody (immunoglobulin) that targets plaque antigens.
IgA is an antibody (immunoglobulin) found in saliva.

Inflammation and Periodontal Destruction

Bacterial presence is the main influence of inflammation.
Inadequate response to bacterial presence leads to periodontal destruction.
Over-vigorous response to bacterial presence also leads to periodontal destruction.

Immunity

Innate / Non-Specific Immunity

Innate immunity is the first line of defense against invading pathogens.
Physical barriers: skin, mucosa, gingivae, epithelial barriers, tears, saliva, and gingival crevicular fluid.
Leukocytes (WBC): Neutrophils, Basophils, Eosinophils, Monocyte (baby macrophages), Macrophage (big eater cells), Mast cell, and Natural killer.
Complement cascade: a series of proteins that activate inflammatory and immune responses.
Phagocyte: a cell that can surround and kill microorganisms.

Cells in Innate Immunity

Neutrophils: phagocytic WBC, first cell to arrive at the site, and most abundant.
Basophils: WBC that work closely with the immune system to defend against allergens, pathogens, and parasites.
Eosinophils: WBC that protect the body from parasites, allergens, foreign bacteria, and outside organisms.

Stages of Periodontitis

Stage 1: Initial lesion (Day 2-4), still reversible.
Stage 2: Early lesion (Day 4-7), still reversible.
Stage 3: Established lesion (Day 7+), not reversible.
Stage 4: Advanced lesion, biofilm accumulation, acute inflammation, and collagen destruction.

Chronic Inflammation

Sustained over a longer period, leading to continued collagen destruction.
Specific immunity: antibody-producing cells dominate, including plasma cells and B Lymphocytes.
Overgrowth of epithelial tissues, early pocket formation, and breakdown of junctional epithelium.

Risk Factors

True risk factors: known to increase the risk of disease development.
Putative risk factors: suspected to have an effect, but with insufficient evidence (e.g., obesity).
Local risk factors: specific to the site, such as calculus (plaque retentive).

Biofilm Development

Maturation of biofilm: quorum sensing occurs, allowing bacteria to share messages and control virulence, motility, and growth.
Protease production: breaking down proteins.
Elastase production: breaking down elastic fibers, making them more brittle.

Adaptive / Specific Immunity

The body's specific defense against pathogens, involving antibody production and cell-mediated responses.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on how interleukins released by T cells activate B lymphocytes to produce antibodies, which then bind to antigens to initiate immune responses. Explore the roles of different immunoglobulins such as IgG and IgA in immune defense mechanisms.