Introduction to Immunology

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the immune system?

  • To prevent or eradicate infections (correct)
  • To mediate the body's response to stress
  • To regulate body temperature
  • To facilitate nutrient absorption

Which type of immunity provides immediate protection against microbial invasion?

  • Specific immunity
  • Adaptive immunity
  • Acquired immunity
  • Innate immunity (correct)

What role do B lymphocytes play in the immune system?

  • They conduct phagocytosis
  • They initiate inflammation
  • They produce antibodies (correct)
  • They directly kill infected cells

What is an antigen?

<p>Any molecule recognized by lymphocytes or antibodies (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes adaptive immunity from innate immunity?

<p>Adaptive immunity requires exposure to pathogens to develop (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cells are primarily involved in the innate immune response?

<p>Phagocytes and innate lymphoid cells (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do antibodies function in humoral immunity?

<p>They bind to viruses, preventing them from entering cells (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of immunological memory?

<p>It allows for faster responses to previously encountered pathogens (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the adaptive immune response?

<p>Proliferation and differentiation of lymphocytes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which immune system component is involved in recognizing structures shared by classes of microbes?

<p>Innate immune cells (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of T lymphocytes in cell-mediated immunity?

<p>To recognize peptide fragments of protein antigens on cell surfaces (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does immunologic memory influence the immune response to repeated exposures to the same antigen?

<p>It results in a faster and more effective immune response. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is implied by the term 'active immunity'?

<p>Immunity acquired through vaccination or direct infection exposure. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes passive immunity?

<p>It involves the transfer of immune cells from one individual to another. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of response do peripheral lymphoid organs facilitate?

<p>Development of adaptive immune responses (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cells primarily distinguish between different pathogens through their specific antigen recognition?

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

What best describes the role of B cells in immune response?

<p>They recognize and bind to diverse types of molecules. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about generative lymphoid organs is correct?

<p>They promote the maturation of T and B lymphocytes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Flashcards

Cell-mediated immunity

Immune response targeting microbes that have already entered host cells. This type of response is mediated by specialized cells called T lymphocytes.

T Lymphocytes

Specialized immune system cells that recognize and destroy cells infected by pathogens, or cancer cells.

Immunologic memory

The ability of the adaptive immune system to remember previous encounters with pathogens and mount a stronger, faster response upon subsequent exposures.

Generative lymphoid organs

Organs where T and B lymphocytes mature into functional immune cells.

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Peripheral (Secondary) Lymphoid Organs and Tissues

Organs and tissues that act as the main sites for adaptive immune responses.

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Active immunity

Immunity acquired through exposure to a pathogen or its antigens, either naturally through infection or artificially through vaccination.

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Passive immunity

Immunity conferred by providing pre-formed antibodies or immune cells from an already immune individual.

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Immune

A condition where an individual has developed resistance to a specific pathogen and is unlikely to get ill from that pathogen.

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What is the immune system?

The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and molecules that protect the body from disease-causing agents, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

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What is innate immunity?

Innate immunity is the body's first line of defense against infection. It is present at birth and provides immediate protection.

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What is adaptive immunity?

Adaptive immunity is a more specific and powerful immune response that develops over time after exposure to a particular pathogen. It involves the production of antibodies and specialized immune cells that target specific invaders.

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What are antigens?

Antigens are molecules that can trigger an immune response. They are usually foreign substances, like proteins or carbohydrates, that are recognized by the immune system as non-self.

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What are antibodies?

Antibodies are proteins produced by B lymphocytes that bind to specific antigens, helping to neutralize or eliminate them.

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What are B cells?

B lymphocytes (B cells) are a type of white blood cell that produce antibodies. They are responsible for humoral immunity, which is the body's defense against extracellular pathogens.

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What are T cells?

T lymphocytes (T cells) are another type of white blood cell that play a key role in cell-mediated immunity. They attack infected cells directly and regulate other immune cells.

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What are phagocytes?

Phagocytes are cells that engulf and destroy foreign substances, such as bacteria, viruses, and cellular debris. They are essential for innate immunity.

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What is immunological memory?

Immunological memory is the ability of the adaptive immune system to remember previous encounters with pathogens and mount a faster and stronger response upon re-exposure.

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What is vaccination?

Vaccination is the process of introducing weakened or inactivated forms of pathogens (or their components) into the body to stimulate an immune response without causing disease. This helps the immune system develop memory and provides long-term protection against the pathogen.

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Study Notes

Introduction to Immunology

  • Immunology is the study of immune responses, cellular and molecular events following exposure to microbes and foreign molecules.
  • The immune system's primary function is to prevent or eradicate infections.
  • Immunity encompasses resistance to pathogens and reactions to non-infectious substances (e.g., harmless environmental molecules, tumors).
  • The Latin term "immunitas" signifies a state of protection, drawing roots from ancient Roman law.

Learning Outcomes

  • Understanding basic concepts of the immune system, its functions, and components.
  • Identifying differences between innate and adaptive immunity.
  • Describing the roles of immune cells (e.g., T cells, B cells, phagocytes) in pathogen defense.
  • Explaining antigen recognition and immune response generation.
  • Discussing the importance of immunological memory for long-term pathogen protection.
  • Exploring the relationship between immunity, disease, and conditions like autoimmune disorders and immunodeficiencies.
  • Analyzing the impact of immunization on public health and disease prevention.

Innate Immunity

  • First line of defense against microbial invasion, acting rapidly.
  • Relies on epithelial barriers (skin, mucosal tissues), cells, and natural antibiotics present in the epithelia to prevent microbial entry.
  • If microbes breach these barriers, innate immunity uses phagocytes (engulfing microbes) and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), complement system, etc.

Adaptive Immunity

  • Takes time to develop after initial encounter with pathogens.
  • Involves lymphocytes (e.g., B and T cells) with diverse, variable receptors recognizing a wide array of molecules (including microbial and non-infectious substances).
  • Adaptive immunity mounts faster, larger, and more effective responses upon repeated exposure to pathogens (immunological memory).

Cells of the Immune System

  • Lymphocytes: Adaptive immune cells that recognize antigens and differentiate into cells executing defense functions.
  • Antigen-presenting cells: Capture antigens and display them to lymphocytes.
  • Effector cells: Leukocytes (white blood cells) eliminating microbes, often including lymphocytes but also other leukocytes.

Active vs. Passive Immunity

  • Active immunity results from exposure to antigens via infection or vaccination, where the body develops resistance to the pathogen.
  • Passive immunity involves transferring antibodies or lymphocytes from an immunized individual to a recipient, offering temporary protection.

Tissues of the Immune System

  • Lymphoid tissues (e.g., spleen, lymph nodes).
  • Generative lymphoid organs (e.g., bone marrow, thymus), which foster the maturation of lymphocytes.

Humoral immunity

  • Mediated by proteins (antibodies) produced by B lymphocytes.
  • Targets extracellular pathogens, enhancing uptake by phagocytes.

Cell-Mediated Immunity

  • Mediated by T lymphocytes, targeting intracellular microbes (e.g., viruses).

Memory

  • Adaptive immunity mounts faster, larger, and more effective responses to repeated exposures to the same antigen. This phenomenon is called immunological memory, crucial for protection against reinfection.

Learning Outcomes (Summary)

  • Learning objectives for understanding the immune system and its workings are defined, enabling deeper comprehension of its complexity.

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