definition
what is a pathogen?
disease causing agents, such as bacteria and viruses.
what is IgE?
involved in allergic reactions. Causes a release in histamines.
what are B-cells?
B-cells (or B-lymphocytes) are white blood cells of our humoral immunity that are responsible for synthesizing and storing antibodies
What are the types of T-cells?
helper cells
cytotoxic cells
suppressor cells
what is herd immunity?
at least 80-85% of population is vaccinated to reduce chance of catching disease
what are lysosomes?
enzymes that kill pathogens by breaking open their cell wall; found in sweat, mucus, tears and saliva.
what are antibodies and antigens?
highly specific proteins that are produced by plasma cells of our immune system in response to pathogenic antigens
why are B-cells made?
made specifically to bind to a pathogenic antigen
what is the scientific name for the helper and cytotoxic cells?
helper-CD4
cytotoxic-CD8
What is active immunity?
your body working to produce the appropriate anti-bodies
what is phagocytosis?
the process of engulfing and breaking down pathogens and other unwanted substances.
what is the 2nd structure of an antibody?
four polypeptides connect via covalent bonds called disulphide bridges. Forms a y-shaped structure
What is the first step in the activation of a naive B-cell?
when the BCR binds to an antigen released from the macrophages or a dandritic cell
What is a primary function of a helper cell?
Primary regulator of the IR
secrete cytokines which enhance the activity of:
-macrophages, B-cells, cytotoxic cells
what is passive immunity?
a way of gaining antibodies without the immune system having to produce them
e.g breastfeeding
what is a biological barrier?
living organisms that compete with pathogens; help prevent harmful bacteria from becoming established on the body.
what is the function of antibodies?
when an antibody locates and binds to its specific antigen, the antibody-antigen complex elicites a response that will inhibit the pathogens several defense mechanisms exists.
what is the second step in the activation of a naive B-cell?
endocytosis of the antigen
what is the primary function of cytotoxic cells?
directly responsible for cell-mediated immunity
what is natural immunity overall?
Your body creating or receiving pathogens through active or passive immunity
what is the inflammatory response?
a complex biological reaction to tissue damage; one of the first responses of the immune system to infection or injury; triggered by chemicals, histamines
What is IGA?
the shop
Why do the B-cells and T-cells bind?
to stimulate the multiplication and maturation of B-cells
what is the primary function of a suppressor cell?
produce cytokines that suppress the activity of:
-B-cells, cytotoxic cells, helper cells
antigens developed and injected into the body
e.g vaccinations