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Immunity Note

The document outlines the components and functions of the second line of defense in innate immunity, including antimicrobial proteins, phagocytes, and their role in inhibiting pathogen spread and inflammation. It also details adaptive immunity, highlighting humoral immunity mediated by antibodies and cell-mediated immunity involving T cells, specifically CD4+ T cells and regulatory T cells. The document emphasizes the importance of these immune responses in protecting the body from infections and preventing autoimmune reactions.

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nadiafarhana1985
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3 views2 pages

Immunity Note

The document outlines the components and functions of the second line of defense in innate immunity, including antimicrobial proteins, phagocytes, and their role in inhibiting pathogen spread and inflammation. It also details adaptive immunity, highlighting humoral immunity mediated by antibodies and cell-mediated immunity involving T cells, specifically CD4+ T cells and regulatory T cells. The document emphasizes the importance of these immune responses in protecting the body from infections and preventing autoimmune reactions.

Uploaded by

nadiafarhana1985
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Second Line of Defense (Innate Immunity)

Components:
 Antimicrobial proteins
 Phagocytes (e.g., macrophages, neutrophils)
 Other immune cells
Functions:
 Inhibit the spread of invading pathogens
 Inflammation is the most important mechanism
 Can kill cancer cells and virus-infected cells before the adaptive immune system is activated
Interferons
 Type of antimicrobial protein
 Released by virus-infected cells
 Hinder viral reproduction inside cells
 Protect nearby healthy cells from viral infection
Adaptive Immunity
Humoral Immunity
 Mediated by antibodies
 Antibodies are produced by plasma cells (a type of B cell)
 Antibodies:
o Circulate freely in body fluids (blood, lymph)
o Bind temporarily to specific targets called antigens
Antigens
 Substances that can:
o Mobilize adaptive immune defenses
o Provoke an immune response
 Usually foreign substances (e.g., pathogens, toxins)
T Lymphocytes (T Cells)
Two Populations of T Cells
CD4⁺ T Cells
 Usually become Helper T cells (TH)
 Functions:
o Activate B cells
o Activate other T cells
o Activate macrophages
 Direct the adaptive immune response
 Considered the most important cell of immunity
Regulatory T Cells (TReg)
 Some CD4 cells differentiate into Regulatory T cells
 Functions:
o Moderate and suppress immune responses
o Prevent unnecessary or excessive immune activity
 Mechanisms:
o Direct cell-to-cell contact
o Secretion of inhibitory cytokines
 Important in preventing autoimmune reactions
Second Line of Defense (Innate Immunity – Non-specific)
 Main components:
o Antimicrobial proteins
o Phagocytes
o Other cells
 Primary functions:
o Inhibit spread of invaders
o Inflammation = most important mechanism
 Specialized innate roles:
o Kill cancer cells and virus-infected cells before adaptive immunity activates
o Interferons → hinder viral reproduction inside infected cells
Adaptive (Specific) Immunity – Overview
Two major branches:
1. Humoral immunity (antibody-mediated)
2. Cell-mediated immunity (T-cell mediated)
Humoral Immunity
 Key players: Antibodies
o Produced by plasma cells (differentiated B cells)
o Circulate freely in body fluids (blood, lymph, etc.)
 Mechanism:
o Antibodies bind temporarily to target antigens on pathogens/cells
 Antigens:
o Substances that mobilize adaptive defenses
o Provoke an immune response
o Typically foreign (non-self)
Cell-Mediated Immunity – T Cells
Two main populations of T cells:
1. CD4+ T cells (most become Helper T cells – TH)
o Central role: Direct and orchestrate the entire adaptive immune response
o Activate:
 B cells (→ antibody production)
 Other T cells
 Macrophages
o Most important cell in adaptive immunity
2. Regulatory T cells (Treg or TReg cells)
o Usually derived from CD4+ lineage
o Functions:
 Moderate / dampen immune response
 Prevent unnecessary or excessive reactions
 Critical in preventing autoimmune reactions

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