Immunology Quiz: Antibodies and Humoral Immunity
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Questions and Answers

What structure on an antibody binds specifically to an epitope on an antigen?

  • Paratope (correct)
  • Variable region
  • B cell receptor
  • Constant region

What is the main function of the humoral immune system?

  • Engulfing pathogens
  • Producing antibodies (correct)
  • Producing cytokines
  • Activating T cells

What is the role of the B cell receptor (BCR) on B cells?

  • Directly bind to pathogens
  • Facilitate phagocytosis
  • Facilitate B cell activation (correct)
  • Activate T cells

Which immunoglobulin has a pentameric structure?

<p>IgM (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many polypeptide chains does a basic antibody monomer consist of?

<p>Four chains (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines the class of an antibody?

<p>The type of heavy chain (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of mammalian immunoglobulin heavy chain?

<p>Undetermined chain (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What component is added to antibodies that classifies them as glycoproteins?

<p>Sugar chains (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes acquired immunity from innate immunity?

<p>Acquired immunity is created in response to exposure to a foreign substance. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes passive immunity?

<p>Immunity is obtained by receiving preformed antibodies from another source. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of acquired immunity is provided by vaccinations?

<p>Artificial active immunity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of both active and passive immunity?

<p>Both types can be natural or artificial. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cell types are primarily involved in the humoral component of acquired immunity?

<p>B-lymphocytes and plasma cells (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes a characteristic of acquired immunity?

<p>It can recognize self and non-self. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do IgG antibodies play in natural passive immunity?

<p>They provide temporary immunity from the mother to the fetus. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism distinguishes artificial passive immunity from natural passive immunity?

<p>It involves injecting preformed antibodies into the host. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of plasma cells in the immune response?

<p>They produce soluble antibodies. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process allows for the generation of a diverse population of antibodies?

<p>Random combinations of gene segments and mutations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of antibody is primarily found in mucosal areas and serves to prevent pathogen colonization?

<p>IgA (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about the hyper variable region of an antibody?

<p>It leads to the antibody's diversity in antigen recognition. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is class switching in the context of antibody production?

<p>Changing the isotype of the antibody while retaining the variable region. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding early endogenous antibody production?

<p>It generally appears within the first years of life. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism allows antibodies to function effectively in the humoral immune system?

<p>Their presence in the bloodstream. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does opsonization refer to in the context of antibodies?

<p>The coating of pathogens to enhance phagocytosis. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of neutrophils in the immune response?

<p>Phagocytizing bacteria and fungi (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What unique function is associated with eosinophils?

<p>Killing bacteria and multicellular parasites (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about basophils is true?

<p>They are involved in allergic responses by releasing histamine. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Natural Killer (NK) cells function primarily by:

<p>Killing infected host cells to prevent pathogen spread. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where are dendritic cells primarily located?

<p>In tissues that contact external environments (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are eosinophils activated to release their toxic proteins?

<p>Activation is strictly controlled to minimize tissue damage. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of dendritic cells in immune response?

<p>They facilitate the transition between innate and adaptive immunity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes neutrophils from other types of white blood cells?

<p>They are the most abundant white blood cells. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which antibody is responsible for providing passive immunity to the fetus?

<p>IgG (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of IgE antibodies?

<p>To protect against parasitic worms and trigger histamine release (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which antibody is expressed on the surface of B cells in a monomer form?

<p>IgD (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which antibody isotypes are expressed by a mature naive B lymphocyte?

<p>IgM and IgD (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the differentiation of a B cell into a plasma cell?

<p>Engagement with a cell-bound antibody molecule (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the suffixes in antibody isotypes like IgA, IgG, etc.?

<p>They represent the different heavy chain types (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which is the correct statement about IgM antibodies?

<p>IgM eliminates pathogens in the early stages of B cell-mediated immunity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Fab region of an antibody?

<p>To recognize specific foreign objects (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a class of antibody isotype found in placental mammals?

<p>IgH (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the Fc region of an antibody?

<p>It ensures appropriate immune response by binding to immune molecules. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do the heavy chain classes influence antibody isotypes?

<p>They correspond to specific antibody isotypes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are CDRs in the context of antibodies?

<p>They are idiotypes involved in antigen binding. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the base of the Y shape of antibodies play?

<p>It modulates immune cell activity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about light chains in mammals is true?

<p>Light chains consist of one constant domain and one variable domain. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the relationship between the Fab and Fc regions?

<p>Fab regions mediate effects directed at immune cells while Fc regions direct them at microbes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the constant region of an antibody?

<p>It is identical in all antibodies of the same isotype. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Neutrophils

Phagocytic white blood cells containing granules toxic to bacteria and fungi. They are the first responders to infection due to their high numbers in circulation.

Eosinophils

Granulocytes that target multicellular parasites. They release toxic proteins and free radicals to kill invaders, but can also cause tissue damage in allergic reactions.

Basophils

Granulocytes that also target multicellular parasites. They release histamine, a chemical that plays a key role in allergic responses.

Natural Killer (NK) cells

Immune cells that do not directly attack pathogens, but instead destroy infected host cells to prevent the spread of infection.

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Dendritic cells

Antigen-presenting cells located in tissues that can interact with external environments. They act as messengers for the immune system by presenting antigens to other immune cells.

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Phagocytosis

The process by which phagocytes engulf and destroy pathogens.

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Antigens

Molecules that trigger an immune response by binding to specific receptors on immune cells.

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Cell signaling

The process by which cells communicate with each other using signaling molecules.

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Acquired Immunity

Immunity developed after exposure to a pathogen, provided by antibodies and immune cells like B and T lymphocytes.

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Active Immunity

Type of immunity where the host's immune system produces antibodies against specific pathogens.

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Natural Active Immunity

Type of active immunity where antibodies are produced after natural infection, like catching the flu.

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Artificial Active Immunity

Type of active immunity developed through vaccinations, introducing weakened or inactive pathogens to trigger antibody production.

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Passive Immunity

Immunity gained by receiving pre-made antibodies from another source, rather than producing them yourself.

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Natural Passive Immunity

Type of passive immunity where antibodies from the mother are transferred to the fetus through the placenta.

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Artificial Passive Immunity

Type of passive immunity where pre-made antibodies are injected into the host for immediate protection, like anti-venom.

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Specificity in Acquired Immunity

Unique immune response targeted at a specific pathogen.

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Antibodies

Y-shaped proteins that specifically bind to antigens, triggering an immune response.

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Paratope

The specific region on an antibody that binds to an antigen. It acts like a lock that fits a specific key (epitope).

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Epitope

A specific site on an antigen that is recognized by an antibody's paratope. It acts like the key that fits the lock (paratope).

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Immunoglobulin (Ig) monomer

The fundamental unit of an antibody, consisting of two identical heavy chains and two identical light chains linked by disulfide bonds.

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Variable region (of antibody chains)

The part of an antibody chain that is responsible for recognizing and binding to a specific antigen.

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Constant region (of antibody chains)

The part of an antibody chain that is constant and does not change in response to different antigens. It determines the antibody's class and function.

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B cell receptor (BCR)

The membrane-bound form of an antibody found on the surface of B cells. It acts as a receptor, triggering B cell activation.

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Plasma Cells

Antibody-producing cells that are derived from B cells. They are the main source of soluble antibodies in the body.

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Antibody Diversity

The process of creating antibodies with different antigen-binding sites.

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Antigen-Binding Site

A small region of the antibody molecule that binds to a specific antigen.

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Immunological Memory

The ability of the immune system to remember an antigen and mount a faster response upon subsequent exposure.

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Humoral Immunity

The immune system response based on the activation of antibody-producing B cells.

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IgA

A type of antibody found in mucosal areas like the gut, respiratory tract, and urogenital tract.

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Passive Immunization

Antibodies are transferred from mother to fetus during pregnancy, providing temporary immunity.

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Class Switching

The process of changing the base of the heavy chain in an antibody, allowing it to be used by different parts of the immune system.

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What is the Fab region?

The part of an antibody that binds to antigens.

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What is the Fc region?

The part of an antibody responsible for mediating different immune responses by activating other immune cells and molecules. It determines the class effect of the antibody.

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What is the paratope?

The unique antigen binding site on an antibody formed by the variable domains of the heavy and light chains.

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What are CDRs? (complementarity determining regions)

The regions within the variable domains of an antibody that directly contact the antigen. They determine antibody specificity.

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What are the types of light chains?

Two types of light chains, kappa (κ) and lambda (λ), found in antibodies.

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How does the constant region affect antibody function?

The constant region of an antibody is identical within the same isotype, but varies between isotypes. This determines the antibody's class effect.

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How does the variable region affect antibody function?

The variable region of the antibody is responsible for recognizing and binding to specific antigens.

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What are the 5 isotypes of antibodies?

IgA, IgG, IgD, IgE, and IgM. These differ in their constant regions and therefore have different effects on the immune system.

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What are antibodies?

Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, are Y-shaped proteins that specifically bind to antigens, triggering an immune response.

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What are antibody isotypes?

Antibodies come in different varieties called isotypes or classes. Each type has a unique heavy chain, giving them distinct biological properties and functions.

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What do IgM and IgD indicate on B cells?

Immature B cells, which haven't encountered an antigen, express only IgM on their surface. Mature B cells express both IgM and IgD, signifying their readiness to respond to antigens.

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How do B cells activate and produce antibodies?

When a B cell encounters an antigen, it activates and differentiates into a plasma cell, which produces antibodies in a secreted form. This means the antibodies are released into circulation to fight the pathogen.

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What is the role of IgA?

IgA is found in bodily fluids like saliva, tears, and breast milk. It protects against pathogens in these areas, acting as the first line of defense.

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What is the function of IgD?

IgD plays a role in activating other immune cells, like basophils and mast cells.

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What is IgE responsible for?

IgE is involved in allergic reactions and the defense against parasitic worms. It binds to allergens and triggers histamine release.

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What is the primary function of IgG?

IgG is the most abundant antibody in the body, providing the majority of antibody-based immunity against pathogens. It can also cross the placenta to protect the fetus.

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Study Notes

Immunology - Lecture 1

  • Immunology is the science of studying the body's defenses against pathogens, but also cancer.
  • Basic immunology examines the functions of immune cells and chemicals, and how they react to various functions.
  • Innate immunity protects against all intruders (pathogens). Innate immune cells include neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, basophils, eosinophils, and others.
  • Adaptive immunity targets specific pathogens. Adaptive immune cells include B lymphocytes (responsible for antibody production, or humoral immunity) and T lymphocytes (responsible for cellular immunity).

Immunity and Its Types

  • Immunity is the state of resistance or susceptibility to diseases caused by microorganisms or their toxic products.
  • Immunity can be innate or acquired (adaptive).
  • Innate immunity is present at birth, while acquired immunity develops later in life.
  • Innate immunity is broadly categorized into Natural (passive, active) and Artificial (passive, active) immunity.
  • Acquired immunity can be active (infection or immunization) or passive (maternal or antibody transfer).

Innate or Natural Immunity

  • Innate immunity acts as the body's first line of defense against microorganisms.
  • Components include cellular (mast cells, neutrophils, macrophages) and humoral (complement, lysozyme, interferon) components.
  • Mechanisms include anatomical barriers (skin, mucus membranes), physiological conditions (body temperature, pH), and chemical barriers (lysozyme in tears, acidic pH in stomach).
  • Skin provides a physical barrier, with epidermis (outer layer) and dermis (inner layer). Epidermis contains dead cells filled with keratin, while dermis contains connective tissue, hair follicles, and glands.
  • Mucus membranes also trap microbes.
  • High salt concentration in sweat, lysozyme, and acidity in the stomach are antimicrobial agents.

Types of Innate Immunity

  • Species immunity: certain species are resistant to diseases others are susceptible to, like mammals with anthrax.
  • Racial immunity: certain races may show resistance to specific diseases, but this could be due to socioeconomics, habitat, culture, etc.
  • Individual immunity: health status, nutrition, previous illnesses, hygiene, and genetic factors affect individual susceptibility to certain diseases.

Cells of the Innate Immune System - Lecture 2

  • Leukocytes (white blood cells) patrol the body in the circulatory system to defend against threats.
  • Phagocytes are "eating cells" that engulf and destroy bacteria and viruses.
  • Phagocytosis involves several steps: approach to infection site, adherence of antigen, engulfment to phagosome, fusion to form phagolysosome, killing and digestion of pathogen, release of debris.
  • Phagocytes include neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells.
  • Neutrophils are often a first responder to sites of infection, with the bone marrow producing 100 billion new neutrophils per day.
  • Macrophages can leave the circulatory system and roam the body to fight infection. They release cytokines.
  • Mast cells are important in the inflammatory response and release mediators.

Third Line of Defense: Acquired or Adaptive Immunity - Lecture 5

  • Acquired immunity develops later in life in response to microbial infections.
  • Components include antibodies and lymphocytes like B and T cells.
  • Characteristics include specificity, self-non-self recognition, immunological memory and diversity.
  • Types of acquired immunity: active and passive.
  • Active immunity: produced by the host (infection or vaccination).
  • Passive immunity: produced in another host and transferred to the recipient or passively acquired (maternally, ex. from placenta).

Adaptive Immune Cells - Lecture 5, 10

  • Lymphocytes (B and T cells) are central to adaptive immunity.
  • B cells mature in the bone marrow and are involved in antibody production.
  • T cells mature in the thymus and are vital for cellular immunity responses and antibody regulation.

Types of T Cells - Lecture 6

  • CD4+ T cells (helper T cells): recognize non-peptide-binding region of MHC class II molecules, and are crucial in regulating other immune cells; some are regulatory T (Tregs) which maintain tolerance.
  • CD8+ T cells (cytotoxic T cells): recognize non-peptide-binding region of MHC class I molecules; are important in destroying cells infected by intracellular microbes.

B Cells and Plasma Cells - Lecture 6

  • B cells are lymphocytic cells that differentiate into plasma cells, which produce and secrete antibodies.
  • B cells have a unique antigen receptor on their surfaces, critical for recognizing specific antigens, called B-cell receptors (BCRs)/immunoglobulins.

Natural Killer Cells - Lecture 6, 13

  • NK cells are important in destroying virally infected cells and tumor cells without prior sensitization.

Antigens - Lecture 6, 7, 15, 16

  • Antigens are substances that stimulate an immune response.
  • Immunogens are agents capable of inducing an immune response. (all immunogens are antigens, but not all antigens are immunogens).
  • Hapten: a small foreign molecule that is not antigenic unless conjugated with an antigenic molecule.

Types of Antigens

  • Exogenous antigens (encountered by host outside) are taken up by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) through phagocytosis and are displayed to other cells.
  • Endogenous antigens (manufactured inside the cell) are displayed through a different mechanism to alert the immune system.

Antibodies - Lecture 8

  • Antibodies are also called immunoglobulins (Igs).
  • Antibodies are Y-shaped glycoproteins, containing two identical heavy chains and two identical light chains, functioning to recognize and bind to antigens in a highly specific manner.
  • Different regions of the antibody have different functions; the Fab region recognizes the antigen (epitope) and the Fc region interacts with other parts of the immune system.
  • Antibodies can be classified into different isotypes (IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, IgM). Each has distinct functions, locations and properties within the immune system.

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Test your knowledge on key concepts of immunology, focusing on antibodies, their structures, and the humoral immune system. This quiz covers essential topics such as B cell receptors, immunoglobulin types, and the distinctions between acquired and innate immunity.

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