Chapter 1 Learning Objectives PDF

VPM1110 Saskia Reynaud Chapter 1 Learning Objectives 1. Distinguish between innate and adaptive immunity o The innate (inborn) immune system is older (evolutionarily) than the adaptive immune system o The innate immune system is the first li...

VPM1110 Saskia Reynaud Chapter 1 Learning Objectives 1. Distinguish between innate and adaptive immunity o The innate (inborn) immune system is older (evolutionarily) than the adaptive immune system o The innate immune system is the first line of defence ▪ Fast-acting and non-specific 2. Discuss how gene duplication within the immune system provided an evolutionary advantage o 3. Give examples of innate immune mechanisms of the skin and mucosal surface o Occurs at anatomical sites that are likely to be the first areas for contact with a pathogen ▪ Epithelial barriers of these systems Keratinized epidermis (skin) o Keratin makes it hard for things to penetrate the skin o Sebum and sweat o Microflora create competition Respiratory mucosa o Mucociliary escalator o Glandular secretions released onto respiratory surfaces contain antimicrobial substances and alveolar macrophages Small intestinal mucosa o Mucus producing goblet cells (antimicrobial secretions) making it slippery and pathogens get stuck in it o Peristaltic action o Microbial flora (competition for nutrients) ▪ Leukocytes that live within these tissues (intraepithelial) include phagocytic cells (neutrophils and macrophages), dendritic cells, mast cells, natural killer cells (NK cells), and T lymphocytes These cells are what initiate an inflammatory response 4. Describe the main features of acute and chronic inflammation o Acute  o Chronic 5. List the components of the adaptive immune system o The adaptive immune system has 3 constituents  ▪ T lymphocytes Cytokine and chemokine messenger proteins released by these cells, which direct and regulate the adaptive immune response ▪ B lymphocytes Transforms to the late-stage plasma cells that produce and secrete antibodies o The lymphocytes reside in, and circulate between, the various lymphoid tissues of the body (lymph nodes, spleen, and mucosal lymphoid tissue) 6. Understand the key role of the dendritic cell in linking innate and adaptive immunity o This class of cells has a pivotal role in sampling foreign antigens as they broach barrier defences and transporting them, via lymphatic vessels, from the site of infection to the closest area of organized lymphoid tissue. This permits activation of the adaptive immune response so that the dendritic cell provides the link between these two halves of the immune system 7. Understand why it is necessary to regulate the immune system o It is important to regulate the immune system through a regulatory response (switch) to deactivate the immune system when the pathogen has been effectively eliminated to not cause damage to the normal body tissue 8. Define the concept of immunological memory o Once the regulatory response has been effective in switching off the immune response the immune system retains memory of that immune response o This is a key feature of adaptive immunity ▪ Is able to adapt to different antigens and react accordingly o Memory allows for the generation of a much more effective secondary immune response if the same antigen is ever re-encountered o This feature of the immune response is how vaccines are effective 9. Briefly describe the evolution of the immune system o Earlier life forms have a simple innate immune system ▪ Lack the adaptive portion o The immunological ‘big bang’ occurred in an ancestor of the jawed fish and led to evolution of the adaptive immune response through the ability to develop diversity in receptor molecules ▪ Allows for a better immune response as is able to adapt to the antigen that is assaulting the body