Immune System
What is an autoimmune disease?
When the immune system attacks healthy cells by mistake
Name two parts of the innate immune system?
What is Skin and mucus
What type of virus is SARS-CoV-2?
Positive-sense RNA virus
What is the approximate fatality rate of COVID-19?
2%
What is a cytokine storm?
A flood of pro-inflammatory signals that can damage the body
What happens during an allergic reaction?
The immune system reacts to something harmless, like pollen or food
Which type of immune cell makes antibodies?
What is B cells
What structure gives the coronavirus its “crown-like” appearance under the microscope?
Club-shaped spike glycoproteins
In what percentage of COVID-19 cases is the infection considered severe, involving the lower respiratory tract?
15%
What is a D-dimer?
A fibrin-degradation product
What is the main risk of having a weak immune system?
Infections that are harder to fight off
What is the job of T cells in the immune system?
Attack infected cells and help other immune cells
Where does SARS-CoV-2 begin replicating in the body?
Olfactory epithelium
Give an example of an autoimmune disease?
What is Rheumatoid arthritis
In COVID-19 patients, elevated D-dimer levels indicate:
Blood clotting activity and risk of thrombosis
What is the main difference between innate and adaptive immunity?
Innate immunity is fast and general; adaptive is slower but specific
Which immune cells are responsible for “remembering” past infections?
Memory B and T cells
What is the primary receptor that SARS-CoV-2 uses to enter human cells?
ACE2
What do antibodies do?
Mark pathogens so the immune system can destroy them
How do D-dimer levels in COVID-19 patients compare to those with pneumonia?
About twice as high
What does the innate immune system do?
Provides the body’s first line of defense
What immune system response creates long-term immunity after vaccination?
Adaptive response
What is the most common symptom of severe COVID-19?
Hypoxemia and tachypnea
This protein, part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, not only facilitates cell entry but also triggers the strongest neutralizing antibody response in most vaccinated individuals.
What is the spike (S) protein?
Patients with D-dimer levels three times higher than normal are at greater risk for:
Intubation and severe respiratory failure