ImmunologyKNH 413

ImmunityBody’s ability to recognize material as foreign and

toneutralize, eliminate, and/or metabolize itSymptoms from an infectious disease

Antigens and ImmunogensAntigen characteristics- foreign molecules

Proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, nucleic acidsOf sufficient sizeStructural stabilityDegradable- how it can be broken downComplex- how long it will take to break downForeign to the organism (immunogenic)- pollen,

protein (transplant)

Immune SystemFunctions:

Defense: HomeostasisSurveillance

4 basic requirements:Specificity: antibody to work against itDiversity: Adaptivity:Ability to respond to new stimuli:

Recognizes then reacts

© 2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

© 2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

Cells of the Immune SystemOther cells

Mast cells- found in blood cells Mucosal surfaces

Dendritic cells-overall lymph symptoms Lymph nodes

Langerhans cells-main burrier to any type of antigen Skin

Antigen RecognitionAntibodies – assist in destruction or neutralization

of the antigenImmunoglobulins (Ig)

IgG-main, most abundant, most recognizable, 2nd made

IgA- early on, nasal passage, skin IgM- 1st antibody found in new infection IgD- allows for elimiation of allergen IgE- (next slide)

Immune ResponseModes of Attack

PhagocytosisCell-mediated cytotoxicityAntibodies- IgE produced by the beta cells Inflammation- responding tissues creates an

inflamed environment

© 2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

Altered and Foreign cellsTransplant Rejection

Host versus graft (HVG) First set rejection – 11-17 days Second set rejection – months to years

Graft versus host (GVH)Matching of MHC antigens is criticalImmunosuppression requiredUnique challenges based on organ-

ImmunodeficiencyMost caused by malnutrition or genetics

Malnutrition – d/t lack of access and dietary choiceAffects through the life spanCritical nutrients

***Vitamins A, C, B6, E, essential fatty acids, beta-carotene, manganese, selenium, zinc, copper, iron, sulfur, manganese, germanium- micronutrient used often with burn victims

ImmunodeficiencyMost caused by malnutrition or genetics

Congenital/inheritedMales more likely - X recessive

X-linked agammaglobulinemia IgA deficiency most common DiGeorge syndrome- chromosome abnormality Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome- low platelet count Bare lymphocyte syndrome- mutated immune -deficiency SCIDs – “bubble boy”- severe combine immune deficiency

disease

ImmunodeficiencyAcquired Immunodeficiencies

From cancer treatmentHIVFrom burns From IBD

Immune System AttackType I / IgE

Food allergies - 1-2% of adultsMany confuse allergy with intoleranceAllergy – immune responseHistamines in cheese, wine, some fish may cause

intolerancesLactose intolerance is most commonAlso yellow dye no. 5, MSG, sulfites

Immune System AttackCommon food allergens

Peanuts, tree nutsShellfishFishFood additivesMilkSoyEggWheat

Immune System AttackAsthma – chronic airway inflammation and

excessive airway sensitivity to various triggersGenetic, environmental, lifestyleSymptoms may be intermittent, although constant

inflammation presentWheezing, cough, chest tightness, difficulty

breathing, sputum production

AutoimmunityAdaptive response against self

5-7% of adults, older, femaleTestosterone, estrogen

Pathogenic immune cells cross-react with human cells

Autoantibodies produce lesions