Hypersensitivity
What’s another word for hypersensitivity?
Allergy
What does autoimmunity cause the body to attack?
The body’s own healthy cells and tissues.
What is one common disease caused by a virus?
- The flu
- COVID-19
What is an allergy?
An overreaction of the immune system to a usually harmless substance.
Which two main types of lymphocytes are involved in adaptive immunity?
B cells and T cells
Name two common allergy triggers.
Pollen, peanuts, dog/cat hair.
What system is responsible for autoimmune diseases?
The immune system.
What do viruses need to reproduce?
A living host cell.
What is a substance called that triggers an allergic reaction?
An allergen.
What proteins do B cells produce to recognize and bind to specific antigens?
Antibodies.
What chemical does the body release when having an allergic reaction?
Histamine
What disease causes the immune system to attack insulin producing cells?
Type 1 diabetes.
What is the protective protein coat surrounding a virus's genetic material called?
The capsid.
What is an immunodeficiency?
A condition in which the immune system is weakened or does not function properly.
What is an antigen?
A substance recognized by the immune system that can trigger a specific immune response.
What is a severe allergic reaction called?
Anaphylaxis
What autoimmune disease commonly attacks the joints?
Rheumatoid arthritis.
Why don't antibiotics work against viruses?
Viruses lack the cellular structures and processes that antibiotics target in bacteria.
What virus attacks the immune system and can lead to AIDS if untreated?
HIV
What is the difference between helper T cells and cytotoxic T cells?
Helper T cells coordinate immune responses, while cytotoxic T cells kill infected or abnormal cells.
Why does hypersensitivity happen?
The immune system overreacts to a substance that is normally harmless.
What is the main difference between allergies and autoimmune diseases?
Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to harmless outside substances, while autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system attacks the body’s own cells.
What is a mutation, and how can it help a virus survive?
A change in genetic material that may give a virus an advantage, such as helping it evade immune defenses.
Why can autoimmune diseases damage healthy organs?
The immune system mistakenly identifies the body's own cells or tissues as threats and attacks them.
Why does adaptive immunity usually respond faster when the body encounters the same pathogen a second time?
Memory B cells and T cells recognize the pathogen and help produce a faster, stronger response.