Immunology Overview Quiz

An antibody binds to a specific region on a pathogen, preventing it from functioning or harming the host.

Antibodies coat the surface of a pathogen, making it easier for phagocytes to recognize and engulf it.

Antibodies activate the complement system, leading to the formation of a membrane attack complex that punches holes in the pathogen's membrane, causing lysis.

NK cells recognize antibodies bound to the surface of infected cells and trigger apoptosis, leading to the destruction of the infected cells.

The specific region on an antigen that interacts with the antigen receptor.

A type of immune deficiency characterized by the absence of both B cells and T cells due to mutations in the RAG genes.

A protein with an extremely specific binding site for a particular ligand.

The process of creating diverse antigen receptors during the development of B and T cells.

A cell surface receptor composed of the mu heavy chain, a surrogate light chain (VpreB and lambda5), and signaling molecules Igbeta and Igalpha.

A type of signaling that occurs in the absence of a known ligand, essential for the survival and maturation of B cells.

A genetic disorder characterized by a lack of circulating B cells due to a failure to produce a functional Pre-BCR.

The process of generating a mature B cell receptor (BCR) with a full light chain.

The process of recombining the variable (V) and joining (J) gene segments to produce a functional light chain.

A conserved protein domain found in signaling molecules Igbeta and Igalpha, important for initiating intracellular signaling.

Enzymes that phosphorylate tyrosine residues on ITAMs, initiating downstream signaling pathways.

A specialized region within the heavy chain constant region gene, targeted by the class switch recombination machinery for antibody class switching.

An enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of cytosine to uracil, crucial for both somatic hypermutation and class switch recombination.

A genetic disorder that prevents B cells from switching to other antibody classes, leading to primarily IgM antibodies and increased susceptibility to infections.

Precursor cells in the bone marrow that give rise to T cells.

Immature T cells that are found in the thymus.

An early stage of T cell development characterized by the absence of both CD4 and CD8 co-receptors.

The process of rearranging V, D, and J gene segments to create a functional TCR-β chain.

A surrogate α chain that pairs with the β chain during pre-TCR formation.

A stage of T cell development where the thymocytes express both CD4 and CD8 co-receptors.

A process that ensures the survival of T cells with functional TCRs and eliminates those with self-reactive TCRs.

A process by which T cells are screened for self-reactivity. T cells that recognize self-antigens expressed in the thymus are eliminated, reducing the risk of autoimmunity.

A rare genetic disorder that affects the development of the immune system. People with AIRE deficiency often experience autoimmune diseases due to a lack of proper self-tolerance.

Small proteins that are secreted by cells to communicate with other cells of the immune system. They play a crucial role in orchestrating immune responses.

The body's response to a widespread infection, characterized by a systemic increase in WBCs and fever. It can be triggered by bacterial or viral infections.

A powerful cytokine that plays a central role in inflammation and immune responses. It can trigger a cascade of events that lead to tissue damage and even death.

A potentially life-threatening condition caused by a severe, uncontrolled inflammatory response to infection. It can lead to organ dysfunction and multiple organ failure.

A process by which blood clots form within blood vessels, often in response to severe inflammation or infection, potentially leading to tissue damage.

A condition that occurs when the body's immune system attacks its own tissues due to a failure to distinguish self from non-self. Examples include rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

A specialized junction between an immune cell like a T cell and its target cell, facilitating efficient delivery of cytotoxic molecules.

CD8+ T cells that have been activated and are primed to kill virally infected cells or tumor cells.

A surface molecule on T cells that recognizes and binds to MHC I molecules presenting viral peptides, triggering activation and a powerful response.

A group of proteins on the surface of cells that present small fragments of antigens (peptides) from within the cell to the immune system. They present these antigens to T cells, triggering an immune response.

The process by which a naïve CD8+ T cell becomes a fully functional cytotoxic T lymphocyte, capable of recognizing and killing target cells.

Molecules expressed on the surface of cells that are recognized by NK cells. These molecules are often upregulated in stressed or infected cells.

A type of inhibitory receptor expressed on NK cells that binds to MHC I molecules. The presence of MHC I on a target cell sends a signal to the NK cell to hold back and not attack.

Proteins released by CTLs, causing the formation of pores on the target cell membrane.

Enzymes released by CTLs along with perforin, entering the target cell through pores and triggering apoptosis.

A family of proteins that play a crucial role in inflammation, often activating either NF-kB or caspase cascade (apoptosis).

A potent inflammatory cytokine that activates NF-kB and is a key player in the TNF family.

A member of the TNF family found on antigen-presenting cells (APCs), including B cells. It activates NF-kB when engaged.

A member of the TNF family that promotes apoptosis by signaling through caspases. It's like a 'death switch' for cells.

Cytokines that utilize the JAK/STAT pathway for signaling. Most interleukins, IFNs, and some growth factors belong to this group.

A key enzyme in the JAK/STAT pathway, found exclusively in leukocytes.

A potent inflammatory cytokine released by macrophages, dendritic cells, and other immune cells, particularly in response to pathogens.

A powerful inflammatory cytokine that plays a crucial role in activating endothelial cells and recruiting neutrophils in localized infections.

A cytokine that plays a critical role in systemic infections by activating lymphocytes and promoting inflammation.

A chemokine that attracts neutrophils to the site of infection, helping to clear pathogens.

A chemokine that draws monocytes to the site of infection.

A cytokine that plays a critical role in activating NK cells, helping to fight off pathogens.

A cytokine that helps dampens the inflammatory response, preventing excessive damage to tissues.

A member of the TLR family expressed on dendritic cells, activating NF-kB and MAP kinase (AP-1) pathways.

A potent inflammatory mediator produced by the inflammasome, a protein complex involved in inflammation.