Understanding Pathogens: Bacteria and Viruses

Understanding the Immune Response and Antibody-Mediated Immunity

• The immune system produces specific antibodies to recognize and attack antigens, which are located on the outer surface of cells or viruses.
• Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins on human cells help the immune system recognize self markers and protect the entire body.
• B cells mature in the bone marrow and develop unique surface receptors to recognize specific antigens, leading to antibody-mediated immunity.
• B cells encounter foreign cells with specific antigens, bind to the antigens, and multiply rapidly to produce more B cells and antibodies.
• T lymphocytes, matured in the thymus gland, play a crucial role in cell-mediated immunity and produce antibodies upon exposure to matching antigens.
• Five classes of antibodies (IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, and IgE) have different functions and are present in various bodily fluids and tissues.
• Antibodies can inactivate pathogens, cause agglutination, and mark antigens for destruction by phagocytes or complement proteins.
• The structure of antibodies enables them to bind to specific antigens, with constant and variable regions determining their functions.
• T cells play a role in cell-mediated immunity and have surface proteins (CD4 or CD8) that determine their type.
• Active immunization involves administering a vaccine to activate the body's immune system in advance, providing long-term protection.
• Passive immunization, achieved through the administration of antibodies, can offer short-term protection against existing or anticipated infections.
• Passive immunization occurs naturally through breast-feeding and across the placenta, and it can be used effectively against certain viral infections but offers shorter-lasting protection compared to active immunization.

Understanding the Immune Response and Antibody-Mediated Immunity

• The immune system produces specific antibodies to recognize and attack antigens, which are located on the outer surface of cells or viruses.
• Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins on human cells help the immune system recognize self markers and protect the entire body.
• B cells mature in the bone marrow and develop unique surface receptors to recognize specific antigens, leading to antibody-mediated immunity.
• B cells encounter foreign cells with specific antigens, bind to the antigens, and multiply rapidly to produce more B cells and antibodies.
• T lymphocytes, matured in the thymus gland, play a crucial role in cell-mediated immunity and produce antibodies upon exposure to matching antigens.
• Five classes of antibodies (IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, and IgE) have different functions and are present in various bodily fluids and tissues.
• Antibodies can inactivate pathogens, cause agglutination, and mark antigens for destruction by phagocytes or complement proteins.
• The structure of antibodies enables them to bind to specific antigens, with constant and variable regions determining their functions.
• T cells play a role in cell-mediated immunity and have surface proteins (CD4 or CD8) that determine their type.
• Active immunization involves administering a vaccine to activate the body's immune system in advance, providing long-term protection.
• Passive immunization, achieved through the administration of antibodies, can offer short-term protection against existing or anticipated infections.
• Passive immunization occurs naturally through breast-feeding and across the placenta, and it can be used effectively against certain viral infections but offers shorter-lasting protection compared to active immunization.