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Questions and Answers
Which cell type is primarily responsible for directly killing infected or cancerous cells?
What describes the phenomenon when the immune system fails to distinguish between self and nonself?
What theory explains the generation of a diverse repertoire of antibodies in the immune system?
Which type of lymphocyte is involved in the clonal selection and expansion process?
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What is the main function of helper T cells in the immune response?
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What historical practice involved the use of dried pulverized scabs from smallpox lesions?
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Which scientist is credited with the first modern concept of immunology through vaccination against smallpox?
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What is the term for the exemption from a disease due to previous exposure, as indicated by the origin of the word 'immunity'?
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Which of the following diseases is NOT mentioned as an example of autoimmune reactions in the context of immunology?
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Which of the following contributions by Louis Pasteur is specifically connected to the concept of attenuated strains for vaccination?
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Study Notes
Origins and Developments in Immunology
- "Immunitas" derived from Latin meaning legal exemption, historically related to immunity from infectious diseases.
- Recognition that individuals who recover from infections do not get reinfected, known since ancient times.
Historical Practices
- Variolation: Practiced in China (1000-1500 AD) by blowing powdered smallpox scabs into the nose to confer immunity.
- Vaccination: Introduced by Edward Jenner in 1798 using cowpox to immunize against smallpox, marking a major advancement in immunology.
- Rabies Vaccine: Developed by Louis Pasteur in 1885 through serial passage of rabies virus, highlighting the role of attenuated pathogens in vaccines.
Broader Immunology Focus
- Involves autoimmune reactions and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatic conditions, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes.
- Main immune cell types:
- Helper T Cells: Assist in activating B cells and other immune responses.
- Cytotoxic T Cells: Target and kill infected or cancerous cells.
Innate and Adaptive Immunity
- Innate Immunity: Immediate response utilizing various cells like macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells.
- Adaptive Immunity: Develops over time, involving T and B lymphocytes that learn to recognize specific antigens.
Immune Response Recognition
- The immune system distinguishes "self" from "nonself" to prevent autoimmune reactions.
- Antigen-Specific Immunity: Utilizes unique B- and T-cell receptors that bind specific antigens, based on clonal selection theory which explains antibody diversity.
Immunization Types
- Active Immunization: Stimulates an immune response through exposure to pathogens or vaccines, fostering long-term immunity and immunologic memory.
- Passive Immunization: Provides fast, temporary immunity using pre-formed antibodies, such as maternal antibodies in newborns or administered immune globulin.
Neutrophils and Other Immune Cells
- Neutrophils: Most abundant leukocytes (50-70%), critical in acute inflammation, utilizing phagocytosis and reactive oxygen species for pathogen destruction.
- Eosinophils: Comprise 1-3% of leukocytes, effective against large parasites, activated by IL-5 from Th2 cells.
- Basophils: Involved in allergic reactions and cytokine production, known for releasing histamine and other mediators during allergic responses.
- Macrophages: Long-lived cells that phagocytose pathogens, produce cytokines and facilitate T-cell interaction for antigen presentation.
Innate Lymphoid Cells (ILCs)
- ILCs, derived from common lymphoid progenitors, do not express antigen-specific receptors and are involved in innate immunity.
- Subdivided into ILC1, ILC2, and ILC3 based on secreted cytokines; they provide early defense at mucosal surfaces.
Cluster of Differentiation (CD) Markers
- CD nomenclature categorizes surface proteins on immune cells for identification; over 400 unique CD markers have been identified.
- Important for distinguishing functional lymphocyte subsets and guiding immunological research.
Key Terms
- CLP: Common Lymphoid Progenitor
- ILC: Innate Lymphoid Cell
- NKT: Natural Killer T cell
- T H1, T H2, T H17: Types of Helper T cells
- TREG: Regulatory T cells
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Description
This quiz covers the fundamental concepts related to the immune system, including its origins, key developments, and unique features. Participants will explore the anatomical structure and cells that comprise the immune system, enhancing their understanding of immunology's importance in medicine.
