Immune system

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which of the following conditions is characterized by severe impairment in both B and T cell function?

Isolated T-Helper Dysfunction (ITHG)

Bruton’s Disease

Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) (correct)

Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID)

What is a common characteristic of Hyper-IgM Syndrome?

Low levels of all immunoglobulins

Increased levels of IgA and IgG

Defective antibody switching (correct)

Excessive maturation of B-cells

What type of immunodeficiency is classified as Secondary (Acquired)?

Purine Nucleoside Phosphorylase (PNP) Deficiency

Bruton’s Disease

Diabetes (correct)

MHC Class II Deficiency

Which of the following conditions is specifically associated with toxic metabolite buildup affecting lymphocytes?

Purine Nucleoside Phosphorylase (PNP) Deficiency Signup and view all the answers

In which immunodeficiency disorder is T-helper cell maturation or function delayed?

Isolated T-Helper Dysfunction (ITHG) Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of chemotherapy and radiation on the immune system?

Suppression of bone marrow activity Signup and view all the answers

Which congenital immunodeficiency disorder is caused by mutations in the BTK gene?

Bruton’s Disease Signup and view all the answers

What role does malnutrition play in secondary immunodeficiency disorders?

Results in deficiencies of essential nutrients Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consequence of uncontrolled HIV infection?

Progression to a life-threatening condition known as AIDS Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of Multiple Myeloma?

Defective antibody production Signup and view all the answers

What type of cognitive disorder often results from depression and can mimic dementia?

Pseudodementia Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the immune response to non-self molecules?

They trigger an immune response Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following diseases is characterized by progressive neurodegeneration specifically affecting motor neurons?

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment is primarily aimed at suppressing viral replication in HIV patients?

Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of cognitive disorders, which type of dementia is potentially reversible if identified early?

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) Signup and view all the answers

Which environmental factor is associated with the onset of degenerative diseases?

Exposure to toxins Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of cognitive disorders involves a severe decline due to a medical condition?

Delirium Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of Parkinson's Disease?

Tremors Signup and view all the answers

Which risk factor is considered the primary contributor to degenerative diseases?

Aging Signup and view all the answers

Which autoimmune disease is characterized by joint inflammation and deformity?

Rheumatoid Arthritis Signup and view all the answers

What kind of treatment focuses on improving symptoms and functionality in degenerative diseases?

Symptom management Signup and view all the answers

Which cognitive disorder involves memory loss due to abnormal protein deposits?

Alzheimer's Disease Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the complement fixation test (CFT) in terms of its mechanism?

It relies on the consumption of complement proteins. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about antigen-antibody specificity is correct?

The binding of antibodies to antigens follows a lock-and-key mechanism. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the acute-phase response, which of the following is NOT typically observed?

Decreased white blood cell count. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the immune system?

To assist in pathogen removal and tissue repair. Signup and view all the answers

When evaluating the effects of chronic inflammation, which of the following is a likely consequence?

Tissue damage resulting in fibrosis and scarring. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the difference between innate and adaptive immunity?

Innate immunity serves as the first line of defense, while adaptive immunity is specific. Signup and view all the answers

What defines flocculation reactions in the context of antigen-antibody interactions?

Clumping of particles involving particulate antigens. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best represents a characteristic of neutralization reactions?

Binding of antibodies to toxins or viruses at their active sites. Signup and view all the answers

When considering degenerative changes due to chronic inflammation, what is commonly observed?

Progressive decline in structure and function. Signup and view all the answers

What role do memory cells play in adaptive immunity?

They provide long-term immunity by recognizing previously encountered antigens. Signup and view all the answers

In agglutination reactions, which of the following is NOT a type?

Constructive agglutination. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of antibodies in the immune response?

To bind to antigens and facilitate their removal from the body. Signup and view all the answers

Which cells are primarily responsible for the phagocytosis process during the innate immune response?

Neutrophils Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of macrophages in the immune system?

Engulf pathogens and present antigens Signup and view all the answers

Which type of T cell is directly involved in killing infected and cancerous cells?

Cytotoxic T Cells (CD8+) Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary signs of acute inflammation?

Pain, redness, swelling, heat Signup and view all the answers

Which process is primarily responsible for creating memory cells in the adaptive immune response?

Initial exposure to pathogens Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of opsonization in the immune response?

Marking pathogens for phagocytosis Signup and view all the answers

Which autoimmune disease primarily results from an immune attack on moisture-producing glands?

Sjogren's Syndrome Signup and view all the answers

Which type of immunity is described as genetic resistance to certain diseases?

Inborn Immunity Signup and view all the answers

What does the Western Blotting technique primarily confirm?

HIV infection after a positive ELISA test Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the complement system in the immune response?

Mark pathogens for destruction Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism of autoimmune disease development involves failure to eliminate self-reactive immune cells?

Clonal deletion failure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following codes correctly represents the primary difference between acute and chronic inflammation?

Acute inflammation has a rapid onset; chronic inflammation has a prolonged duration. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of natural killer (NK) cells?

Kill virus-infected and cancerous cells Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is associated with Type IV hypersensitivity?

Type 1 Diabetes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary autoimmune response detected in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?

Anti-dsDNA antibodies Signup and view all the answers

What key feature distinguishes humoral immunity from cell-mediated immunity?

Utilization of antibodies produced by B cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of DMARDs in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis?

To prevent permanent joint damage and slow disease progression Signup and view all the answers

Which laboratory test is primarily utilized to detect systemic inflammation?

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of cytokines during the inflammatory response?

They facilitate the migration of neutrophils to the site of injury Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of chronic inflammation?

Persistent pathogens or autoimmunity Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT typically associated with acute inflammation?

Long-lasting symptoms Signup and view all the answers

Which autoimmune disease is characterized by the destruction of myelin sheaths around neurons?

Multiple Sclerosis Signup and view all the answers

Which immune response is characterized by its specificity and ability to create memory cells?

Adaptive Immune Response Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the immune system response, what is the significance of T cells?

They are responsible for memory and long-term immune responses Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the release of histamines during an inflammatory response?

Tissue damage or infection Signup and view all the answers

In the context of autoimmune diseases, what role do environmental factors play?

They can trigger autoimmunity through infections or drugs. Signup and view all the answers

Which tissue is primarily responsible for the maturation of T cells?

Thymus Signup and view all the answers

Which antibody test is specific for diagnosing autoimmune diseases such as SLE?

Anti-Smith Antibodies Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of plasmapheresis in autoimmune conditions?

To remove harmful antibodies and immune complexes from circulation Signup and view all the answers

What is a common outcome of the complement activation mechanism in the immune response?

Cell lysis Signup and view all the answers

What can trigger chronic inflammation to develop?

Repeated exposure to irritants or persistent infections Signup and view all the answers

What causes the chronic inflammation seen in Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Autoantibodies attacking the joints Signup and view all the answers

Which type of immune dysfunction is characterized by an exaggerated response to harmless substances?

Hypersensitivity reaction Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential complication of chronic inflammation?

Tissue destruction and fibrosis Signup and view all the answers

Which type of autoimmune disease primarily affects multiple organ systems?

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes is primarily involved in the vascular stage of inflammation?

Vasodilation and increased permeability Signup and view all the answers

Which of these diseases is categorized as a neurodegenerative disease?

Alzheimer's disease Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of acute-phase proteins during infection?

To stimulate the immune response Signup and view all the answers

Which immune response component is responsible for producing antibodies?

B cells Signup and view all the answers

Which type of inflammation is typically associated with short duration and swift recovery?

Acute inflammation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Primary and Secondary Immunodeficiency Disorders

Immunodeficiency is a state where the immune system's ability to fight infections is compromised. It can also affect cancer immunosurveillance.
Primary (Congenital) immunodeficiencies are inherited genetic defects present at birth.
Secondary (Acquired) immunodeficiencies arise from external factors (infections, toxins) that affect the immune system.

Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders

Combined Immunodeficiencies (affecting both B and T cells):
- Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID): A group of disorders with severely impaired B and T cell function, leading to extreme vulnerability to infections.
- Hyper-IgM Syndrome: Defective antibody switching causes high IgM levels and low levels of other immunoglobulins.
- Purine Nucleoside Phosphorylase (PNP) Deficiency: Toxic metabolite buildup affects lymphocytes, causing immune dysfunction.
- MHC Class II Deficiency: Rare and severe immunodeficiency resulting from defective antigen presentation due to a lack of MHC class II molecules
B-Cell Disorders:
- Bruton's Disease (X-linked Agammaglobulinemia): Mutations in the BTK gene prevent B-cell maturation and antibody production.
- Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID): Heterogeneous condition with reduced antibody production due to defective T-cell signaling.
- Isolated T-Helper Dysfunction (ITHG): Delayed or reduced function of T-helper cells affects antibody production.

Secondary Immunodeficiency Disorders

Causes of Secondary Immunodeficiencies:
- Severe burns: Damages the skin barrier, increasing infection risk.
- Chemotherapy and radiation: Suppress bone marrow, reducing immune cell production.
- Diabetes: High glucose levels impair white blood cell function.
- Malnutrition: Deficiencies in essential nutrients needed for immune function.
Examples:
- AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome): HIV infection depletes CD4+ T cells.
- Cancers of the immune system (e.g., leukemia): Malignant growths affect immune cell development.
- Immune complex diseases (e.g., viral hepatitis): Chronic inflammation from persistent immune complex formation.
- Multiple myeloma: Cancer of plasma cells leading to defective antibody production.

HIV Overview

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): Damages the immune system by killing CD4+ T cells.
Untreated HIV leads to AIDS, a life-threatening condition with severe immune suppression and increased susceptibility to infections.
Modes of Transmission: Blood, semen, vaginal/rectal fluids, and breast milk.
Prevention and Treatment:
- Antiretroviral Therapy (ART): Suppresses viral replication and improves immune function, increasing life expectancy.

Degenerative Disorders

Degenerative disorders involve the progressive deterioration of tissues, organs, or systems, leading to disability, morbidity, and premature mortality.

Categories of Degenerative Disorders

Cognitive Disorders: Affect brain information processing, memory, and learning.
Nerve Degenerative Diseases: Involve the nervous system, causing progressive loss of motor and cognitive function.
Systemic Degenerative Diseases: Affect multiple body systems.

Cognitive Disorders

Key Characteristics: Loss of memory and learning abilities; can be temporary (reversible) or permanent (irreversible).
Types:
- Non-Dementia Cognitive Disorders: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Delirium, Pseudodementia
- Dementia:
  - Reversible Dementias: Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), Vitamin B12 Deficiency
  - Irreversible Dementias: Alzheimer's Disease, Vascular Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, Parkinson's Dementia, Diffuse Lewy Body Disease.

Nerve Degenerative Diseases

Alzheimer’s Disease: Progressive neurodegenerative disorder causing memory loss and cognitive impairment, linked to brain shrinkage and abnormal protein deposits (amyloid plaques and tau tangles).
Parkinson’s Disease: Movement disorder due to dopamine deficiency from neuronal death in the substantia nigra. Symptoms: tremors, stiffness, and bradykinesia (slow movement).
Huntington’s Disease: Genetic disorder causing physical and mental decline due to neuronal death in the brain. Symptoms: involuntary movements, mood swings, and cognitive decline.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, affects motor neurons, causing muscle weakness and paralysis.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Autoimmune disease causing demyelination of nerves. Symptoms: vision problems, muscle weakness, and coordination issues.
Batten Disease: Genetic disorder causing lipid buildup in brain cells. Symptoms: seizures, vision loss, and motor deterioration.

Systemic Degenerative Diseases

Cardiovascular Disorders: Hypertension (high blood pressure) and Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).
Neoplastic Disorders: Tumors and cancers.
Other Systemic Conditions: Diabetes Mellitus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoporosis

Risk Factors for Degenerative Diseases

Aging
Genetic factors
Environmental factors (toxins, injuries)
Oxidative stress
Lifestyle factors (diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol)

Treatment Approaches for Degenerative Disorders

Symptom management (e.g., medications like cholinesterase inhibitors for dementia)
Supportive care (e.g., physical, occupational, speech therapy)
Surgery (e.g., deep brain stimulation, shunt placement)
Lifestyle changes (e.g., exercise, improved diet, mental stimulation)

Immune System Handout

The immune system defends the body against pathogens, malfunctioning cells, and foreign materials.
Basic Principles of Immunity:
- Self vs. Non-Self Recognition: Immune system generally ignores "self" molecules and responds to "non-self" molecules (antigens).
- Autoimmunity: Immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues.

Major Components of the Immune System

Cells: Lymphocytes (B cells, T cells), Macrophages, Dendritic Cells, Natural Killer (NK) Cells
Lymphatic Organs: Thymus, Bone Marrow, Spleen, Lymph Nodes
Immune Tissues: GALT, MALT, SALT

Lines of Defense in Immunity

First Line: Physical and chemical barriers (skin, mucus membranes, cilia, body fluids)
Second Line: Innate immune response (non-specific, immediate; phagocytosis, complement system, inflammatory response, NK cells)
Third Line: Adaptive immune response (specific, memory; humoral and cell-mediated immunity)

Humoral Immunity (Antibody-Mediated)

B Cells: Produced and mature in the bone marrow; recognize specific antigens with B Cell Receptors (BCRs).
Plasma Cells: Activated B cells producing antibodies (immunoglobulins).
Memory B Cells: Provide long-lasting immunity.
Antibody Functions: Neutralization, agglutination, precipitation, complement activation.

Cell-Mediated Immunity (T Cell-Mediated)

T Cells: Produced in bone marrow, mature in the thymus
T Cell Types: Helper T cells (CD4+), Cytotoxic T cells (CD8+), Memory T cells, Regulatory T cells (Tregs)

Primary and Secondary Immune Responses

Primary Response: Slow response to first antigen exposure; produces memory cells.
Secondary Response: Faster, stronger response to subsequent pathogen exposures due to memory cells.

Sources of Immunity

Inborn (innate) immunity
Acquired immunity (Natural Active, Natural Passive, Artificial Active, Artificial Passive)

Body Responses to Diseases (Detailed)

This section details detailed body responses to disease including inflammation, degenerative changes, and immune responses.

Antigen-Antibody Reactions

Antigen (Ag): Substance stimulating antibody production.
Antibody (Ab)/Immunoglobulin (Ig): Y-shaped protein binding to antigens.
Epitope: Specific antigen part recognized by antibodies.
Paratope: Antibody region binding to the epitope.
Properties: Specificity, Affinity, Avidity
Types of Reactions: Precipitation, Flocculation, Agglutination, Complement Fixation, Neutralization, ELISA, Immunofluorescence, Western Blotting.

Antibody Functions and Target Mechanisms

Complement activation, opsonization, neutralization, agglutination, precipitation

Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmunity: Immune system attacking its own tissues.
Key Terms: Autoantigen, Autoantibody, Self-Tolerance
Types:
- Systemic: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Scleroderma, Sjogren's Syndrome, Polymyositis/Dermatomyositis
- Organ-Specific: Type 1 Diabetes, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, Graves' Disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Myasthenia Gravis, Celiac Disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Autoimmune blood disorders.
Mechanisms: Breakdown of self-tolerance (clonal deletion failure, molecular mimicry, genetic susceptibility, environmental factors), autoimmune response pathways (type II, III, IV hypersensitivity).
Diagnosis: General (CBC, ESR, CRP), Specific autoantibody tests (ANA, RF, Anti-dsDNA), Organ-specific tests.
Treatment: Immunosuppressive drugs, plasmapheresis, hormone replacement, targeted therapies.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.