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intro to immunology
cmbm exam III
91
Chemistry
Graduate
01/09/2010

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Term
what is a pathogen? what are opportunistic pathogens?
Definition
any organism that has the potential to cause disease. microbes that cause disease if they get into the wrong place or cause disease if the body's defenses are weakened
Term
what things is the immune system involved in besides infectious processes?
Definition
transplantation immunity/rejection, autoimmune disorders, (lupus, RA), hypersensitivites such as allergies, contact dermatitis, and possibly tumors
Term
what are some lymphocytes? how are they nucleated?
Definition
B, T lymphocytes and NK cells. these are all mononuclear cells.
Term
what are some granulocytes, what is another name for these?
Definition
neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils. they are also referred to as polymorphonuclear leukocytes, (PMNs).
Term
what are some mononuclear phagocytes?
Definition
neutrophils/eosinophils called macrophages, (if in tissue), monocytes, (if in blood), and dendritic cells, (serve as the best bridge between the innate and aquired immune response)
Term
what are some general molecules, (not cells), that are part of the immune system?
Definition
antibodies, (structurally immunoglobulins, antibodies is a functional term as they are secreted products of B lymphocytes in response to a stimulus like antigen), cytokines, (proteins secreted from one cell that influence function of the cell that produced it or other cells, hormone-like) and complements, (proteolytic cascade involved in clearance of many different types of pathogens from the body, effector mechanism, they play immuno-regulatory roles)
Term
what is another name for NK cells?
Definition
large granular lymphocyte
Term
what cells secrete antibodies?
Definition
B cells
Term
what cells secrete cytokines?
Definition
T cells, NK cells, macronuclear phagocytes
Term
what cells secrete complements?
Definition
macronuclear phagocytes
Term
what cells secrete inflammatory molecules?
Definition
basophils, mast cells, and platelets
Term
what do tissue cells secrete in terms of immune response?
Definition
interferons, cytokines
Term
what are PMNs?
Definition
polymorphonucler lymphocytes, (as opposed to macronuclear phagocytes). neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils. thes are also called granulocytes.
Term
what cells do all the blood cells involved in immune system originally derive from?
Definition
the hematopoietic stem cell
Term
what 3 kinds of progenitor cells come from the hematopoietic stem cell?
Definition
the common lymphoid progenitor, common myeloid progenitor, and the common erythroid megakaryocyte progenitor
Term
what does the common lymphoid progenitor give rise to?
Definition
B cells, (become plasma cells), T cells, (become effector T cells), and NK cells
Term
what does the common myeloid progenitor give rise to?
Definition
the common granulocyte progenitor, the monocyte, (which further gives rise to dentritic cells+macrophages), and mast cells
Term
what does the common granulocyte progenitor give rise to?
Definition
neutrophil, eosinophil, basophil
Term
what does the common erythroid megakaryocyte progenitor cell give rise to?
Definition
the megakaryocyte, which gives rise to platelets, and erythroblasts, (become RBCs)
Term
what proportion of leukocytes in the blood do neutrophils compose?
Definition
40-75%
Term
what proportion of leukocytes in the blood do eosinophils compose?
Definition
1-6% unless parasitic infection or major allergic rxn
Term
what proportion of leukocytes in the blood do basophils compose?
Definition
<1% mostly unknown function
Term
what proportion of leukocytes in the blood do monocytes compose?
Definition
2-10% (monocytes = mononuclear phagocytes that live in the blood)
Term
what proportion of leukocytes in the blood do lymphocytes compose?
Definition
20-50% largely T+B cells, (a small %, ~10 of these are NK cells or large granular lymphocytes)
Term
where do B lymphocytes come from? what is a key function?
Definition
b cells come from Bone marrow, they are key players in the (humoral) adaptive immunity
Term
where do T lymphocytes come from? what is a key function?
Definition
t cells come from the thymus, they are key players in adaptive immunity, (humoral and CMI, cell mediated). "T cells do everything"
Term
what do B+T cells look like in relation to NK cells?
Definition
B+T cells have only a little visible cytoplasm, while NK cells have much more cytoplasm and also have prominent granules, called LGLs
Term
what do NK cells do? what else are they called? what kind of immunity do they mediate?
Definition
large granular lymphocytes, or NK cells are prominent cytoxic effectors of innate immunity, particularly with virally infected or tumor cells
Term
what are the most prevalent of the PMNs?
Definition
neutrophils
Term
what defines neutrophils in the body? what cell differentiation do neutrophils arise from? why are they called "neutro"phils? what kind of immunity do they mediate?
Definition
they are the most prevalent and lethal of the PMNs. they arise from myeloid differentiation. they are important elements of innate immunity. and have prominent "neutral" cytoplasmic granules, (don't really stain).
Term
what do neutrophils do? what is a common target for their action?
Definition
they can capture, engulf and kill microorganisms via reactive substances that kill and enhance inflammation. they form "pus", (dead+alive neutrophils, dead bacteria). they commonly target bacteria.
Term
why are neutrophils considered polymorphonuclear?
Definition
they have irregularly shaped and multi-lobed nuclei, (look like beads on a string)
Term
how quickly can neutrophils be activated?
Definition
they can be rapidly mobilized to enter sites of infection. they are the prominent element of an acute inflammatory reaction.
Term
can neutrophils work in anerobic environments?
Definition
yes
Term
what is eosinophila indicative of?
Definition
allergic rxn or parasitic infection, (such as hemlminth/intestinal parasite)
Term
why are eosinophils named that?
Definition
they stain w/eosin, which appears red on an H+E and covers the nucleus which does look like a PMN
Term
how do basophils appear? what is their relative prevalence in the blood? what is known about their function?
Definition
they stain with hematoxylin, (appear bluish purple). they are the least abundant of the granulocytes, and little is known about their function.
Term
what are monocytes? what is their size relative to granulocytes? how does their nucleus appear? what are they progenitors of?
Definition
they are mononuclear phagocytes that circulate in the blood. they are bigger than granulocytes. their nucleus is distinctively indented, (not like PMNs that appear like "beads on a string"). they are progenitors of the sedentary tissue macrophage.
Term
what are macrophages? how are they named?
Definition
macrophages are mononuclear phagocytes that are tissue bound. they are named for the tissue they are differentiated to inhabit. ex: kupfer cells in the liver, langerhans cells in the skin.
Term
how long do macrophages last? what is their appearance characterized by?
Definition
they are long lived. they are irregularly shaped cells with extensive cytoplasm and numerous vacuoles.
Term
what do macrophages do generally?
Definition
they act as general scavengers that dispose of dead cells and debris via phagocytosis.
Term
what are the specific functions of macrophages concerning the immune system? how do they regulate other cells in the immune system? what is their role concerning innate or aquired immunity?
Definition
macrophages process and present antigens to T cells. they express both class I+II MHC, (molecules encoded by the Major Histocompatibility Complex -> members of the immunoglobulin superfamily). they secrete cytokines that regulate other cell types, (neutrophils/other leukocytes), and bridge between innate and aquired immunity, (not as well as dendritic cells)
Term
what is the difference between macrophages and dendritic cells?
Definition
dendritic cells have a unique function in initatation of adaptive function in immune responses via picking up antigens in infected tissue and moving them to lymphoid tissue, (T cells). macrophages can't do this b/c they are stationary.
Term
what differentiation do dendritic cells arise from? what is their morphology?
Definition
dendritic cells arise from myeloid differentiation. they have a distinctive star shape, (they are the "stars" of the macrophage monocyte cell)
Term
what is an antibody? where do they come from? what do they do?
Definition
an immunoglobulin protein that binds specifically to an antigen. they are produced by plasma cells, (terminally differentiated B cells), IN RESPONSE to infection/immunization. they bind to and neutralize pathogens, (bind to active site/attachment structure), or prepare them for destruction by phagocytes/by complement.
Term
what are cytokines? where do they come from? what do they do?
Definition
soluble, hormone-like molecules secreted by immune system cells in a very tightly regulated system, (both cytokine+receptor production). cytokines act on cells by binding to specific receptors and influencing proliferation or activation of a particular function.
Term
what are the 3 major functions of the complement system?
Definition
recruitment of inflammatory cells, opsonization of pathogens, (facilitating uptake and killing of pathogens), and perforation of cell membranes
Term
what are the 3 pathways complement that result in complement activation?
Definition
the major, (and last), is the classical pathway, alternative, and lectin pathway
Term
what are the two types of immune response?
Definition
innate, (natural), and acquired, (specific+adaptive)
Term
what defines the recognition mechanisms of innate immunity?
Definition
a fixed rapid response, (within hours), a limited number of specificities, and constant efficacy during response. its effects encompass the time you feel "crappy" when sick.
Term
what defines the recognition mechanisms of aquired immunity?
Definition
variable slow response, with numerous highly selective specificities, and it's efficacy improves during response. it's effects encompass the time you start to feel better while still sick.
Term
are innate defense mechanisms present prior to pathogen exposure?
Definition
yes
Term
are natural immune responses more evolutionarily more primitive?
Definition
yes
Term
does innate immunity have memory?
Definition
no
Term
what important role does innate immunity play in defense against microbes?
Definition
stimulating adaptive or specific immune response
Term
which is usually more responsible for resolving infections, innate or adaptive?
Definition
adaptive
Term
how long does specific immunity's memory usually last?
Definition
long, sometimes life-long
Term
what are 3 main elements of innate immunity?
Definition
mechanical, chemical, and microbiological
Term
what are examples of mechanical innate immunity in the skin, GI, respiratory tract, urogenital tract, and eyes?
Definition
overall:epithelial tight junctions. skin:fluid flow, perspiration, skin sloughing GI:fluid flow, mucus, food, saliva RT: flow of fluid/mucus, cilia action+airflow UI:flow of fluid, urine, mucus, sperm eyes:flow of fluid/tears
Term
what are examples of chemical innate immunity in the skin, GI, respiratory tract, urogenital tract, and eyes?
Definition
skin:sebum+lactic acid GI:acidity+enzymes RT:lysozyme in nasal secretions UI:vaginal acid, spermine/zinc in sperm eyes:lysozyme in tears
Term
what are examples of microbiological innate immunity in the skin, GI, respiratory tract, urogenital tract, and eyes?
Definition
overall:antimicrobial peptides, (defensins). skin:normal flora of the skin GI:normal flora of GI RT:normal flora of RT UI:normal flora of UI eyes:normal flora of eyes
Term
how can antibiotics lead to infections by worse microbial infections?
Definition
the colon is colonized by a large number of commensal bacteria and if antibiotics kill enough of them, pathogenic bacteria, (like c dif), gain a foothold and produce toxins that cause mucosal injury, leading to leakage of RBC/WBCs into gut between injured epithelial cells
Term
why do smokers get more RT infections?
Definition
their cilia are burned off
Term
what is fever direct result of in terms of the innate immune response? why is it enacted?
Definition
fever is a systemic effect of proinflammatory cytokines that act as endogenous pyrogens. bacteria/viruses don't grow as well at higher temps, but the immune system works better at higher temps. examples of cytokines often involved with fevers: IL-1, Il-6, and TNF-alpha, which act on the hypothalamus (Il = interleukin)
Term
beyond the immune system, what other tissues do cytokines act on? what do they do in terms of metabolic processes? bacterial/viral replication? antigen processing? immune process efficacy?
Definition
vascular endothelium, (P selectin), hypothalamus, muscle and fat. they alter metabolic processes to generate heat, decrease bacterial/viral replication, alter leukocyte/lymphocyte migration patterns, enhance antigen processing, and cause specific immune processes to become more potent.
Term
what are cytokines: IL-1, Il-6, and TNF-alpha called collectively?
Definition
proinflammatory cytokines
Term
what are the major cellular elements of natural immunity
Definition
phagocytes, (mononuclear phagocytes or neutrophils)
Term
how do phagocytes recognize pathogens? do they have antigen receptors?
Definition
phagocytes do not have antigen receptors like lymphocytes, but they do recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns, (PAMPs)
Term
how does direct recognition of pathogens by phagocytes work?
Definition
direct recognition involves surface receptors on the phagocyte surface that interact directly with the pathogen such as toll-like receptors, mannose receptors, (which are C-type lectins), and scavenger receptors, (these recognize and mediate uptake of microbes into phagocytes, but can play pathologic role in generation of cholesterol-laden foam cells in atherosclerosis)
Term
how does indirect recognition of pathogens by phagocytes work?
Definition
indirect recognition involves phagocytic binding to host proteins that have bound to the pathogen such as antibodies, (via phagocytic Fc receptor), complement, (via phagocytic C3b receptor), +others. these function as opsonins.
Term
what does PAMP stand for? what does a phagocyte use to recognize these?
Definition
pathogen associated molecular patterns. phagocytes have PRRs, phagocyte recognition receptors.
Term
what do PRRs on pathogens do?
Definition
some pattern recognition receptors signal the prescence of infection and lead to activation of pro-inflammatory signaling pathways/changes in gene transcription
Term
why would genes for MHC and CD80/86 be induced in phagocytes upon stimulation of PRRs?
Definition
these gene products regulate adaptive immune responses, MHC is important for presentation of antigen to T cells, and CD80/86 is an important costimulatory molecule for T cells
Term
why would genes for lysozyme be induced in phagocytes upon stimulation of PRRs?
Definition
in order to enact direct anti-microbial activity
Term
why would genes for inflammatory cytokines/chemokines be induced in phagocytes upon stimulation of PRRs? which ones might be induced specifically?
Definition
genes for cytokines TNF-alpha, IL-1 and IL-8, a chemokine help prepare the body to fight off an infection
Term
what are two results of some PRRs recognizing PAMPs and mediating uptake of microbes into the phagocyte?
Definition
their delivery into lysosomal compartments will lead to death of the microbe and antigen processing/presentation to the T cells, (macrophages and dendritic cells)
Term
what are toll-like receptors? when are they important? what happens if the gene for these is mutated? are there several kinds?
Definition
a kind of PRR named for a transmembrane protein in flies. these are important during embryogenesis. mutations in the gene for this lead to high susceptibility to infection, (via gram+ bacteria or fungus). there are at least 11 kinds of TLR in mammals
Term
where are TLRs, (toll-like receptors) expressed?
Definition
TLRs are expressed more on macrophages, dendritic cells, NK cells, neutrophils, mucosal epithelium, and endothelial cells
Term
what does TLR4 recognize? is binding direct?
Definition
TLR4 recognizes bacterial lipopolysaccaride, (LPS), on gram negative bacteria. binding is indirect.
Term
what does TLR6 recognize?
Definition
CpG DNA on bacteria/protozoans
Term
what does TLR5 recognize?
Definition
flagellin, found on various bacteria
Term
what does TLR3 recognize?
Definition
double stranded RNA, something eukaryotic cells don't have, but viruses do
Term
what do TLRs recognize generally?
Definition
anything found on pathogenic prokaryotes that is not found in/on normal eukaryotic cells
Term
what are the 2 main mechanisms for recruitment of leukocytes to the site of infection? do these overlap? is this a function of innate or aquire immunity?
Definition
binding adhesion molecules on epithelia and chemoattractants produced in response to infection, these do overlap, (chemokines upregulate adhesion molecules). this is a function of innate immunity
Term
what is recruitment in terms of leukocyte response?
Definition
recruitment is a mult-step process involving the adherence of circulating leukocytes to the luminal surface of the endothelium and migration through the vessel wall.
Term
what does recruitment of leukocytes involve in terms of selectins? chemokines?
Definition
recruitment of leukocytes includes selectin-mediated rolling of leukocytes in response to endothelium upregulation of P+E selectins in response to microbial infection, (cytokines IL-1 and TNF help bring selectins to the surface). chemokines increase the affinity of leukocyte integrins for selectins, which leads to stable binding.
Term
what is transmigration?
Definition
when the leukocyte can break through a hole in the endothelial wall
Term
how does phagocytosis of microbes occur?
Definition
the microbe binds to the phagocyte via a mannose receptor, and more receptors bind as the phagocyte "zips" engulfs it, creating a phagosome that is met with a lysozyme filled with destructive enzymes. the microbes can also be killed with ROS and NO
Term
what makes the process of phagocytosis more efficient? what is the killing mechanism largely dependent on?
Definition
release of cytokine: IFN-gamma, (interferon), activates the macrophage/neutrophil and increases it's efficacy. killing of the microbe occurs largely through oxygen-dependent mechanisms, including production of ROS intermediates
Term
why are sites where macrophages/neutrophils are working sometimes even more inflamed?
Definition
b/c of their "sloppy" release of microbe-targeted ROSs
Term
what are O2-dependend mechanisms that macrophages and neutrophils use in destruction of microbes? what about mechanisms that facilitated degradation after killing?
Definition
lysozyme, lactoferrin, major basic protein. acid hydrolases are used to facilitate degradation after killing. O2 is required for all these mechanisms
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