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Questions and Answers

What does the term 'immunity' refer to?

The removal of toxins from the body

The study of immune diseases

The capability to identify and resist foreign particles (correct)

The communication mechanism of immune cells

Which of the following correctly describes the immune response?

An immediate reaction that does not involve memory

A random reaction to any foreign agent

An archaic defense system that is ineffective

A specific response to the same pathogen over time (correct)

What is NOT a function of the immune system?

Identifying healthy cells and tissues (correct)

Protecting against pathogens

Removal of debris and dead cells

Communicating through chemical messages

Which statement best describes the structure of the immune system?

It has a multilayered architecture with various components Signup and view all the answers

What is the study of how the body fights against diseases known as?

Immunology Signup and view all the answers

How does the immune system communicate?

Through chemical messages Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a failure of the immune system?

Inability to eliminate foreign particles Signup and view all the answers

What type of agents does the immune system detect?

A variety of agents, including viruses and parasitic worms Signup and view all the answers

What is one primary function of the immune system?

To distinguish between the body's own cells and foreign cells Signup and view all the answers

How does the innate immune system function?

By acting as physical barriers and flushing out pathogens Signup and view all the answers

What leads to an overactive immune system?

Mounting an attack without real threats Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of antibodies in the immune response?

To remember and destroy specific pathogens in future encounters Signup and view all the answers

Which condition can weaken the immune system later in life?

Type 2 diabetes Signup and view all the answers

What does acquired immunity allow for?

A faster and stronger response upon subsequent encounters with the same pathogen Signup and view all the answers

What may occur if the immune system is too weak?

Inability to fend off real infections Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a feature of the innate immune system?

It provides general defense against different types of pathogens Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Immunology-1: Bio-207

Course taught by Dr. Manal Abouelwafa at Badr University in Assiut's Biotechnology Department
Contact: [email protected]
Course credits: 2 theoretical + 2 practical
Introduction to the immune system is the core subject

Immunology-1 Content

Unit 1: Introduction to the immune system
Unit 2: Immune types and complementary system
Unit 3: Immune response to pathogens
Unit 4: Antibodies and antigens
Unit 5: Immune diseases

Basic Terminology

Immunology: The study of how the body fights against diseases and infections
Immunity: The body's ability to fight or resist foreign particles (bacteria, viruses, toxins)
Immune system failing: Identifying and eliminating harmful foreign particles (viruses, bacteria, toxins) that are not part of the body
House-keeping: Removing debris and dead cells
Protection: Against pathogens
Communication: Using chemical messages (alarm), antigen presentation by antigen-presenting cells, and memory

Concept of Immunity

Immunology: (Latin: immunis = "exempt") Study of how the body defends against infectious agents
Immunity: The ability to recognize and defend from specific pathogens or antigens, aided by the immune system and coordinated responses to foreign substances

What is the Immune System?

A biological structure and processes within an organism that protects against diseases by identifying and killing pathogens and tumor cells
Detects a wide variety of agents (viruses to parasitic worms) and distinguishes them from healthy cells and tissues to function properly

Structure of the Immune System

Multilayered architecture with defenses at many levels
Complex network security system of chemicals, cells, tissues, and organs working together to protect the body

Function of the Immune System

Without it, humans would be exposed to harmful influences of pathogens from the outside environment

Your Immune System

Keeps invaders (germs) out of the body
Destroys invaders
Limits harm from invaders if inside the body
Heals damage to the body
Adapts to new challenges and threats
Invaders include: bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and cancer cells

How the Immune System Works

Differentiates between body cells and foreign cells
Activates and mobilizes to kill harmful germs
Ends the attack once the threat is gone
Learns about germs after contact and develops antibodies against them
Sends out antibodies to destroy future germs

Weak Immune System

Many conditions weaken the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections
Conditions at birth are less common than those developing later in life (e.g., Type 2 diabetes, cancer)

Overactive Immune System

Reacts too strongly to invaders (real or perceived)
May mount an attack when no invader is present
May keep attacking after an invader is gone
Can lead to autoimmune diseases or allergic reactions

Immune System Soldiers

Various immune cells work together to protect the body. This is part of the immune system.

Immunity

Innate: (Natural)
Acquired: (Getting with life)
Diagram showing the relationships between innate and acquired immunity

Innate Immune System

Begins with physical barriers (preventing pathogens from entering)
Destroys pathogens after entry
Flushes pathogens out before they can establish themselves
Protects the body from various pathogens

Acquired Immune System

Highly specialized cells and processes that eliminate specific pathogens and tumor cells
Highly specific to a particular pathogen (or antigen)
Creates immunological memory for faster, stronger responses to subsequent encounters with the same pathogen

Innate vs Adaptive Immune System

Table showing differences
Innate: rapid, non-specific, no memory
Adaptive: delayed, specific, immunological memory

Lymphocytes

Main cells of the adaptive immune system
Leukocytes that arise and mature in lymphatic system organs (bone marrow, thymus)
The human body typically has about 2 trillion lymphocytes (approximately one-third of all leukocytes)
Most are in tissue fluid or lymphatic system organs (tonsils, spleen, lymph nodes)
Two main types: T cells and B cells

Lymphocytes (cont.)

Diagram showing B cells, plasma cells, T cells (helper and cytotoxic)
Key components and functions of each type (e.g., antibodies produced by plasma cells)