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Immunology: Hypersensitivity, Autoimmunity & Immunotherapy

77 cards · 🇺🇸 English

Allergic reactions, autoimmune disease mechanisms, vaccines and immunotherapy.

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Immunology

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  1. 1Immunology
    A branch of biology and medicine that covers the study of immune systems in all organisms, including health, disease, and in vitro/in vivo characteristics
  2. 2Phagocytosis
    The process by which cells engulf and destroy foreign bodies, first observed by Mechnikov when unusual cells surrounded thorns he inserted into starfish larvae
  3. 3Important lymphoid organs of the immune system
    Thymus, bone marrow, spleen, tonsils, lymph vessels, lymph nodes, adenoids, and liver
  4. 4Two main divisions of the immune system
    Innate immune system (primitive, non-specific) and adaptive/acquired immune system (vertebrates only, specific)
  5. 5Two components of adaptive immunity
    Humoral immunity (antibody-mediated) and cell-mediated immunity
  6. 6Antigen
    A substance that ignites the immune response; anything that elicits the generation of antibodies
  7. 7Antibodies
    Specific proteins released from B lymphocytes that neutralize disease-causing microorganisms by identifying antigens as targets for destruction
  8. 8Do antibodies directly kill pathogens?
    No, antibodies identify antigens as targets for destruction by other immune cells such as phagocytes or NK cells
  9. 9Autoimmune disorder
    A condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own healthy tissues
  10. 10Examples of autoimmune diseases
    Systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto's disease, and myasthenia gravis
  11. 11Immunodeficiency
    A condition where parts of the immune system fail to provide an adequate response
  12. 12Examples of immunodeficiency disorders
    Chronic granulomatous disease, primary immune diseases, and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)
  13. 13Hypersensitivity
    An inappropriate or exaggerated immune response to otherwise harmless substances (e.g., in asthma and allergies)
  14. 14Most well-known disease affecting the immune system itself
    AIDS, an immunodeficiency characterized by suppression of CD4+ T cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages by HIV
  15. 15Transplant rejection
    The immune system's attempt to destroy allografts (transplanted organs or tissues from another individual)
  16. 16What fields of medicine does immunology have applications in?
    Organ transplantation, oncology, rheumatology, virology, bacteriology, parasitology, psychiatry, and dermatology
  17. 17Immunotherapy
    The use of immune system components or antigens to treat a disease or disorder
  18. 18What conditions is immunotherapy commonly used to treat?
    Allergies, autoimmune disorders (Crohn's disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis), certain cancers, and immunosuppression (HIV, immune deficiencies)
  19. 19Clonal selection theory (CST)
    A theory formulated by Macfarlane Burnet explaining how immune responses are triggered based on self/nonself distinction
  20. 20Self/nonself theory of immunity
    'Self' constituents (body's own) do not trigger destructive immune responses, while 'nonself' entities (pathogens, allografts) trigger destructive responses
  21. 21Danger model in immunology
    A theory suggested by Polly Matzinger proposing that the immune system responds to danger signals rather than just nonself molecules
  22. 22Cellular theory of immunity
    Represented by Elie Metchnikoff, this theory stated that cells (phagocytes) were responsible for immune responses
  23. 23Humoral theory of immunity
    Held by Robert Koch and Emil von Behring, this theory stated that active immune agents were soluble components (molecules) in the organism's humors rather than cells
  24. 24Neonatal immunity
    Neonates are in a state of physiological immunodeficiency with suppressed innate and adaptive responses; they rely on maternal IgG transferred through the placenta
  25. 25What type of antibody is transferred from mother to fetus?
    Maternal IgG, transferred through the placenta using the FcRn (neonatal Fc receptor)
  26. 26Why are IgM, IgD, IgE, and IgA almost undetectable at birth?
    They do not cross the placenta; some IgA is provided by breast milk
  27. 27How long can passively-acquired maternal antibodies protect a newborn?
    Up to 18 months, though the response is usually short-lived and of low affinity
  28. 28What hormones significantly affect the immune system during adolescence?
    17-β-estradiol (estrogen) in females and testosterone in males
  29. 29How does estradiol affect the immune system?
    It regulates the level of immunological response and has been associated with increased risk of autoimmunity
  30. 30How does testosterone affect the immune system?
    Testosterone seems to suppress the stress response to infection

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