Microbiology (Muchovej) - Module 5
antibodies
large protein molecule evoked in response to an antigen that interacts specifically with that antigen
epitope
molecular group of an antigen that defines its specificity and triggers the immune response
inflammation
natural, nonspecific response to tissue injury that protects the host from further damage
Second line of defense
nonspecific resistance that destroys invaders in a generalized way without targeting specific individuals: Phagocytic cells ingest and destroy all microbes that pass into body tissues. For example macrophages are cells derived from monocytes (a type of white blood cell).
formed elements
one of the red blood cells, white blood cells, or blood platelets as contrasted with the fluid portion of the blood
artificially acquired active
receiving a flu vaccine
erythrocytes
red blood cells
anaphylactic shock
severe allergic reaction that causes respiratory distress due to swelling of the upper airways
acute inflammation
short-term inflammatory response, marked by a prevalence of neutrophils
mast cells
specialized cells located in connective tissue that release histamine
skin testing
substances are injected intradermally or applied to the skin and results are observed
chemotaxis
tendency of organisms to move in response to a chemical gradient
clonal selection
the development of lymphocyte specificity and variety during immune maturation
vaccine
the inoculum used in active immunization
chronic inflammation
the primary immune cells are macrophages and T lymphocytes, which produce cytokines and enzymes that cause more lasting damage to cells. Resolution of the acute infection gives way to ongoing tissue damage and destruction, manifesting as tissue fibrosis
skin
thick tough layer that acts as a physical barrier
agranulocytes
type of WBC having uniform cytoplasm
B cells (B lymphocytes)
type of WBC that arises and matures in the red bone marrow
recombinant vaccines
using genes from one organism in another kind of cell to produce antigens
attenuated vaccine
vaccine in which the antigen's ability to produce disease has been lessened or eliminated
conjugated vaccines
vaccines combined with carrier proteins to make them more immunogenic
leukocytes
white blood cells
phagocytes
white blood cells capable of engulfing other cells and particles
inactivated vaccine
whole cell or intact virus preparation in which the microbes are dead or preserved and cannot multiply
antihistamine
A drug that counters the action of histamine.
monocyte
A large mononuclear leukocyte normally found in the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and loose connective tissue.
dendritic cells
A large, antigen‐processing cell characterized by long, branchlike extensions of the cell membrane.
eosinophils
A leukocyte whose cytoplasmic granules readily stain with red eosin dye.
neutrophils
A mature granulocyte present in peripheral circulation, exhibiting a multilobular nucleus and numerous cytoplasmic granules that retain a neutral stain.
granulocytes
A mature leukocyte that contains noticeable granules in a Wright stain.
mucosa
A membrane rich in mucous glands that lines body passages and cavities which connect directly or indirectly with the exterior.
plasma cells
A progeny of an activated B cell that actively produces and secretes antibodies.
pyrogens
A substance that causes a rise in body temperature.
allergens
A substance that stimulates an allergic response.
lymphatic system
A system of vessels and organs that serve as sites for development of immune cells and immune reactions. It includes the spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, and gut‐associated lymphoid tissue (GALT).
toxoid vaccine
A vaccine that is made from a toxoid, such as tetanous vaccine.
macrophage
A white blood cell derived from a monocyte that leaves the circulation and enters tissues.
T cells (T lymphocytes)
A white blood cell that is processed in the thymus and is involved in cell‐mediated immunity.
vasodilatation
Action of vasoactive compounds that causes capillaries to thin and separate, thus making the internal diameter greater.
spleen
An abdominal organ involved in the production and removal of blood cells in most vertebrates and forming part of the immune system.
lysozyme
An enzyme found in sweat, tears, and saliva that breaks down bacterial peptidoglycan.
abscess
An inflamed, fibrous lesion enclosing a core of pus.
hypersensitivity
An overreaction of the immune response against a foreign antigen
antiserum
Antibody‐rich serum derived from the blood of animals (deliberately immunized against infectious or toxic antigen) or from people who have recovered from specific infections.
IgD
B cell receptor.
thymus
Butterfly‐shaped organ near the tip of the sternum that is the site of T‐cell maturation.
antigen presenting cell (APC)
Cells of the immune system that digest foreign cells and particles and place pieces of them on their own surfaces in such a way that other cells of the immune system recognize them.
vaccination
Exposing a person to the antigenic components of a microbe without its pathogenic effects for the purpose of inducing a future protective response.
hyposensitivity
Less than normal sensitivity to a foreign agent, such as an allergen, in which the response is unusually delayed or lessened in degree
pattern recognition receptors (PRR)
Molecules on the surface of host cells that recognize pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) on microbial cells
IgG
Most prevalent antibody in relationship to antigens that the body most encounters.
interferon
Natural chemical that inhibits viral replication.
IgM
Pentamer, first response to antigens.
desensitization
Process by which a receptor or organism becomes no longer stimulated by something that once stimulated it.
cytokines
Regulatory chemical released by cells of the immune system that serves as signal between different cells.
IgA
Secretory dimer in mucosa.
antigen binding site
Specific region at the ends of the antibody molecule that recognize specific antigens. These sites have numerous shapes to fit a wide variety of antigens.
adjuvant
a chemical vehicle that enhances antigenicity
plasma
a fully differentiated B cell that produces a single type of antibody.
major histocompatibility complex (MHC)
a genetic system that allows large proteins in immune system cells to identify compatible or foreign proteins. It allows the matching of potential organ or bone marrow donors with recipients.
inflammosome
a group of multimeric protein complexes that consist of an inflammasome sensor molecule, the adaptor protein ASC and caspase 1. its formation is triggered by a range of substances that emerge during infections, tissue damage or metabolic imbalances.
titer
a measure of antibody level in a patient
complement system
a part of the immune system that enhances the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear microbes and damaged cells from an organism, promotes inflammation, and attacks the pathogen's cell membrane.
immunity
acquired resistance to an infectious agent due to prior contact with that agent
immunization
administration of an antigenic inoculum to stimulate an adaptive immune response and immunological memory
agglutination
aggregation by antibodies of suspended cells or similar-size particles into clumps that settle
Type I hypersensitivity
also called allergic atopy. immediate and are normally stimulated by IgE.
allergy
an immediate hypersensitivity response
neutralization
antibodies fill the surface receptors on a virus or the active site on a microbial enzyme to prevent it from attaching
antigen
any cell, particle, or chemical that induces a specific immune response
artificially acquired passive
application of rattlesnake antivenum to a snake bit victim
IgE
associated with allergies and mast cells.
fever
body temperature above 37°C
naturally acquired passive
breast feeding a newborn
platelets
cell fragments involved in blood clotting
pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMP)
chemical signatures present on many different microorganisms, but not on host, which are recognized by host as foreign
histamine
cytokine released when mast cells and basophils release their granules
Type II hypersensitivity
cytotoxic hypersensitivities include transfusion reactions and are based on the antigens on erythrocytes.
cytotoxic T cells
destroy pathogens and release chemicals called cytokines
nodes
each of a number of small swellings in the lymphatic system where lymph is filtered and lymphocytes are formed.
apoptosis
genetically programmed death of cells
prostaglandins
hormone-like substance that regulates many body functions, coming from a family of organic acids containing 5-carbon rings
First line of defense barriers
includes physical and chemical barriers that are always ready and prepared to defend the body from infection. These include your skin, tears, mucus, cilia, stomach acid, urine flow, 'friendly' bacteria and white blood cells called neutrophils.
interleukins
A class of chemicals released from host cells that have potent effects on immunity.
T helper
A class of thymus‐stimulated lymphocytes that facilitate various immune activities such as assisting B cells and macrophages.
gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT)
A collection of lymphoid tissue in the gastrointestinal tract that includes the appendix, the lacteals, and Peyer's patches.
mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS)
A collection of monocytes and macrophages scattered throughout the extracellular spaces that function to engulf and degrade foreign molecules.
basophil
A common granulocyte that is susceptible to staining with basic dye.
Specific Immunity
In immunity, the concept that some parts of the immune system only react with antigens that originally activated them.
immunocompetence
The ability of the body to recognize and react with foreign substances.
edema
The accumulation of excess fluid in cells, tissues, or serous cavities.
resolution
The capacity of a microscope lens system to accurately distinguish between two separate entities that lie close to each other.
immunoglobulins (Ig)
The chemical class of proteins to which antibodies belong.
primary response
The first response of the immune system when exposed to an antigen.
blood
The fluid of the circulatory system composed of plasma and formed elements.
memory cells
The long‐lived progeny of a sensitized lymphocyte that remains in circulation and is programmed to react rapidly with its antigen.
opsonization
The process of stimulating phagocytosis by affixing molecules to the surfaces of foreign cells or particles.
secondary response
The rapid rise in antibody titer following a repeat exposure to an antigen that has been recognized from a previous exposure.
anaphylaxis
The unusual or exaggerated allergic reaction to antigen that leads to severe respiratory and cardiac complications.
pus
The viscous, opaque, usually yellowish matter formed by an inflammatory infection consisting of serum exudate, tissue debris, leukocytes, and microorganisms.
