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Describe two types of major histocompatibility complexes and their roles.
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Class 1 MHC complexes present endogenous antigens, while class 2 MHC complexes present exogenous antigens, both facilitating immune response activation.
What role does the cellular immune response play when the body's other defenses fail?
The cellular immune response takes over when initial defenses such as barriers and the humoral response fail, targeting and eliminating infected cells.
Where are T cells produced and where do they mature?
T cells are produced in the bone marrow and mature in the thymus.
How do helper T cells contribute to an immune response cascade?
Helper T cells release cytokines upon activation, which then activate cytotoxic T cells, B cells, and other immune cells, creating a coordinated immune response.
What are the primary functions of T cells within the cellular immune response?
T cells target and destroy infected body cells, cause inflammation, activate macrophages, and regulate the immune response.
Detail the relationship between helper T cells and B cells in the antibody production process.
Helper T cells activate B cells through cytokines, a necessary step for B cells to produce antibodies against pathogens.
What distinguishes class 1 MHC from class 2 MHC molecules?
Class 1 MHC is present in all nucleated cells displaying endogenous protein fragments, while class 2 MHC is found in immune-related cells binding exogenous protein fragments.
How do cytotoxic T cells eliminate infected cells?
Cytotoxic T cells release enzymes that induce apoptosis in infected cells, directly targeting and destroying compromised host cells.
Describe the activation process of helper T cells.
Helper T cells are activated when they bind to specific MHC-antigen combinations, leading to cytokine release which activates other immune cells.
Explain the role of antigen presenting cells in the immune response.
Antigen presenting cells, such as phagocytes, engulf pathogens, break them into molecules, and display these fragments on MHC proteins to prime T cells.
What are the consequences of immune system hyperactivity?
Hyperactive immune systems can lead to attacks on healthy host cells, resulting in autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis or Type 1 Diabetes.
Why are checks and balances critical in the immune system?
Checks and balances prevent the immune system from attacking the body's own tissues, avoiding autoimmune diseases and ensuring proper immune response.
What is the primary cause of autoimmune diseases?
Autoimmune diseases are caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the body’s own healthy tissues.
What is the importance of regulatory T cells in the immune response?
Regulatory T cells release inhibiting cytokines to prevent overreaction of the immune system, maintaining immune balance and preventing autoimmune conditions.
What triggers an immune response from helper T cells?
Helper T cells trigger an immune response upon binding with specific antigens presented by MHC molecules on antigen presenting cells.
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