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Immunology - Coggle Diagram
Immunology
Introduction to Immunology
Definition
Study of host reactions to foreign substances
Study of molecules, cells, organs responsible for recognition and disposal
Immune System
Definition
Cellular and enzymatic processes to defend against pathogens
Present in all vertebrates
Role
Defending body against infections
Recognizing and responding to foreign antigens
Protecting against tumors
What happens when the Immune System doesn’t work?
Autoimmune Diseases
Examples
Rheumatoid arthritis
Insulin-dependent diabetes
Multiple sclerosis
Allergies
Examples
Asthma
Food allergies
History
First vaccine against smallpox developed 200 years ago
How does the Immune System work?
Aspects of Immunity
Cellular Level
Molecular Level
Components
Leukocytes (White Blood Cells)
Origin in bone marrow
Circulation in lymphatic system
Lymphoid Tissues
Lymph nodes
Spleen
Thymus gland
Immunity
Definition
Resistance to infection
Ability to protect from infectious agents
Types of Immunity
Natural/Innate Immunity
Acquired/Adaptive Immunity
Natural Immunity
Characteristics
Structural barriers
Non-specific
Present at birth
Parts
Physical Barriers
Skin
Mucus
Tears
Mechanical Barriers
Peristaltic movement
Shedding of cells
Coughing and sneezing
Urine flushing
Chemical Barriers
Acid pH of stomach
Lysozyme
Lactoferrin
Internal Defense Mechanism
Physiologic Factors
Body Temperature
Oxygen Tension
Hormonal Balance
Basic Polypeptides
Spermin
Defensin
Interferons
Types
Alpha IFN
Beta IFN
Gamma IFN
Complement
Role in inflammatory response
Acute Phase Reactants
C-reactive Protein (CRP)
Elevated levels in bacterial infections
Serum Amyloid A
Role in chemotaxis and phagocytosis
Mannose-binding lectin
Opsonin function
Other Reactants
Alpha-1-antitrypsin
Haptoglobin
Fibrinogen
Ceruloplasmin
Cellular Defense Mechanisms
Types of Cells
Neutrophils
Functions
Phagocytosis
Killing foreign organisms
Eosinophils
Role in parasitic infections
Basophils
Role in allergic reactions
Mast Cells
Tissue basophils
Monocytes
Differentiate into macrophages
Dendritic Cells
Antigen-presenting cells (APCs)
Adaptive Immunity
Characteristics
Specific
Memory
Involves T cells and B cells
Types of T cells
Helper T Cells (CD4+)
Functions
Regulate immune response
Stimulate B cells
Cytotoxic T Cells (CD8+)
Functions
Destroy infected or cancer cells
B Cells
Function
Produce antibodies
Memory B cells for future infections
Humoral Immunity
Role of B Cells
Antibody production
Clonal expansion
Antibodies
Structure
Y-shaped molecules
Heavy and light chains
Classes of Antibodies
Based on heavy chain differences
Functions
Bind to antigens
Activate complement system
Distinguishing Self from Non-self
Importance in immune response
Autoimmune Diseases
Examples
Lupus
Multiple sclerosis
Scleroderma
Crohn’s disease
Techniques in Immunology
Monoclonal Antibodies
Production
Fusion of lymphocytes with myeloma cells
Uses
Testing for antigens like HIV
Inflammation
Definition
Response to injury or infection
Cardinal Signs
Rubor (Redness)
Calor (Heat)
Tumor (Swelling)
Dolor (Pain)
Functio Laesa (Loss of function)
Major Events
Increased blood supply
Migration of white blood cells
Maintaining a Healthy Immune System
Balanced diet
Proper exercise