Overview of Immune System
        
                        
                                                                                    
                                                                                            An immune response, coordinated by the immune system, aims to eliminate antigens through antibody generation.  | 
                                                                                 
                                                                                            
                                                                                            The immune system consists of innate and adaptive branches with common features:      Recognition of diverse pathogens     Elimination of identified invaders     Discrimination between self and foreign antigens  | 
                                                                                 
                                                                                            
                                                                                            Innate immunity is non-specific and ancient, found in all eukaryotic organisms.  | 
                                                                                 
                                                                                            
                                                                                            Adaptive immunity, unique to vertebrates, matures over time, tailors responses, and exhibits memory.  | 
                                                                                 
                                                                                            
                                                                                            Microbiota play a crucial role in shaping and regulating immune responses.  | 
                                                                                 
                                                                         
                             
    
    
            Fever
        
                        
                                                                                    
                                                                                            Abnormally high body temperature induced by pyrogens.  | 
                                                                                 
                                                                                            
                                                                                            Enhances antiviral effects, phagocyte efficiency, leukocyte production, limits pathogen growth, and promotes tissue repair.  | 
                                                                                 
                                                                                            
                                                                                            Low-grade fever (37.5°C to 38.3°C) is protective; high fever (40.5°C) is life-threatening  | 
                                                                                 
                                                                         
                             
    
    
            Blood Components and Leukocytes
        
                        
                                                                                    
                                                                                            Blood Composition   -   Erythrocytes transport oxygen, platelets stem blood loss, leukocytes are crucial for the immune system.     Leukocytes: granulocytes (visible granules) and agranulocytes (lack granules).  | 
                                                                                 
                                                                                            
                                                                                            Leukocyte Activation   Activated leukocytes release molecules for diverse functions. These molecules have diverse functions, including recruiting other leukocytes, restricting pathogen growth, triggering fever, and stimulating inflammation  | 
                                                                                 
                                                                         
                             
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            Microbial Impact on Immunity
        
                        
                                                                                    
                                                                                            Changes in normal microbiota can confuse the immune system, linked to allergies and autoimmune diseases.  | 
                                                                                 
                                                                                            
                                                                                            Hygiene Hypothesis suggests reduced microbial diversity hinders immune responses.  | 
                                                                                 
                                                                         
                             
    
    
            Mechanical and Chemical Barriers
        
                        
                                                                                    
                                                                                            Mechanical barriers (e.g., skin, tears, urine) hinder pathogen entry. Chemical barriers combat invaders (e.g., lysozyme, stomach acidity)  | 
                                                                                 
                                                                                            
                                                                                            Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) like defensins target pathogens by inserting into cell membranes.  | 
                                                                                 
                                                                         
                             
    
    
            The Plague
        
                        
                                                                                    
                                                                                            Signs and Symptoms: Fever, chills, weakness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, bleeding, shock, tissue death.  | 
                                                                                 
                                                                                            
                                                                                            Plague Doctors Distinctive attire: beaked mask, cane, long coat, gloves, hat.     Protection against bacteria-laden secretions and aerosol droplets.  | 
                                                                                 
                                                                                            
                                                                                            Mortality Historical impact with devastating outbreaks (Plague of Justinian, Black Plague, Great Plague of London, Third Pandemic).  | 
                                                                                 
                                                                         
                             
    
    
            Types of Leukocytes
        
                        
                                                                                    
                                                                                            Neutrophils: Most abundant, engage in phagocytosis.     Eosinophils: Combat parasitic infections and allergic responses.     Basophils: Involved in allergic responses and combat parasitic infections.     Mast Cells: Release histamine, contribute to allergic responses and parasitic defense.     Monocytes: Mature into macrophages, involved in chronic infections, inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and cancers.     Macrophages: Highly phagocytic, destroy a wide range of pathogens, serve as antigen-presenting cells.  | 
                                                                                 
                                                                         
                             
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            Blood and Lymphatic System
        
                        
                                                                                    
                                                                                            Blood delivers plasma to tissues, forming interstitial fluid  | 
                                                                                 
                                                                                            
                                                                                            Lymphatic system collects and filters lymph (fluid), screening for pathogens in lymph nodes  | 
                                                                                 
                                                                                            
                                                                                            Primary lymphoid tissues (thymus, bone marrow) produce and mature leukocytes.  | 
                                                                                 
                                                                                            
                                                                                            Secondary lymphoid tissues (nodes, spleen, MALT) filter lymph  | 
                                                                                 
                                                                         
                             
    
    
            Yersinia pestis and Immune System
        
                        
                                                                                    
                                                                                            Infection Encounter  Yersinia pestis faces non-specific immune defenses and leukocytes.  | 
                                                                                 
                                                                                            
                                                                                            Evasion Strategies  Counteracting defenses, reducing phagocytosis, producing a protective capsule, using injectosomes.     Plasmids generate proteins suppressing lymphocyte chemotaxis.  | 
                                                                                 
                                                                         
                             
    
    
            Immune Evasion Strategies of Yersinia pestis
        
                        
                                                                                    
                                                                                            Subverts macrophages, impairs inflammatory response, targets natural killer cells, produces proteases.  | 
                                                                                 
                                                                         
                             
    
    
            Natural Killer Cells
        
                        
                                                                                    
                                                                                            Abundant in the liver, provide innate protection against viruses, bacteria, parasites, and tumor cells.  | 
                                                                                 
                                                                         
                             
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            Treatment and Mortality of the Plague
        
                        
                                                                                    
                                                                                            Intravenous antibiotics (gentamicin, ciprofloxacin) recommended for Yersinia pestis.  | 
                                                                                 
                                                                         
                             
    
    
            Inflammatory Response
        
                        
                                                                                    
                                                                                            Inflammation is essential for innate immunity and healing.  | 
                                                                                 
                                                                                            
                                                                                            Three phases: vascular changes, leukocyte recruitment, resolution.  | 
                                                                                 
                                                                                            
                                                                                            Chronic inflammation exacerbates tissue injury and promotes diseases  | 
                                                                                 
                                                                         
                             
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