White Blood Cells (WBCs)
Lymphocytes
-specific immunity
-T-Cells and B-Cells
-20-40%
Leukocytopaenia
- decrease in WBCs
- weakens the immune system
Features of non-specific/innate immunity
-quick
-external defenses
-inflammation
-Interferon
-Natural killer cells
-complement system
Features of specific/acquired immunity
-slower
-stronger
-Tcells
-Bcells
what regulates both the innate and acquired immune responses?
Cytokines (small signaling proteins)
Monocytes
- macrophages
- 2-8%
Leukocytosis
- increased WBCs
- normal response to acute infections
- skin
-mucous membranes
-natural bacteria flora
-cough/sneeze
B-cell function
-attack free virus
-antibody rxn
helper T cells function
secrete cytokines that trigger:
- fever
- increased number of B-cells and T-cells
Bind to B cells
Neutrophils
-Phagocytes
-50-70%
Neutropenia
- increased neutrophils
- increased risk for bacterial and fungal infections
External defenses: Chemical barriers
-stomach acid/mucous
-lysozyme in many secreted fluids
T-cell function
-attack infected cells
cytotoxic t cells function
directly attack infected cells
Eosinophils
- allergic rxns
- 1-4%
Mononucleosis
- Epstein-Barr virus most common cause
- Symptoms include: Swollen glands, sore throat, fatigue.
- Treatment includes rest and analgesics.
Plasma cell function
secrete antibodies
memory t cells function
Bigger second response
Basophils
- mast cells/histamine
- <1%
memory cells function
bigger second response
suppressor T cells function
prevent over-reactivity of immune system