Immunology Lecture Notes

Introduction to Immunology

• Definition: Study of the immune system, which protects against disease and infection.
• Importance: Understanding immune responses leads to advancements in healthcare and treatment of diseases.

Components of the Immune System

• Innate Immunity: First line of defense, non-specific response.
  • Examples: Skin, mucous membranes, white blood cells.
• Adaptive Immunity: Specific, acquired immunity.
  • Involves lymphocytes (B cells and T cells).
  • Develops memory for quicker response upon re-exposure.

Cells of the Immune System

• B Lymphocytes (B Cells)
  • Produce antibodies.
  • Responsible for humoral immunity.
• T Lymphocytes (T Cells)
  • Types include Helper T cells and Cytotoxic T cells.
  • Involved in cell-mediated immunity.

Immune Responses

• Primary Immune Response: Initial exposure to antigen.
  • Slower response, fewer antibodies produced.
• Secondary Immune Response: Subsequent exposure.
  • Faster and more robust due to memory cells.

Immunological Disorders

• Autoimmune Diseases: Immune system attacks body's own cells.
  • Examples: Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus.
• Immunodeficiency Disorders: Weakened immune response.
  • Examples: HIV/AIDS.

Vaccination

• Purpose: Stimulate an immune response without causing disease.
• Types:
  • Live attenuated vaccines.
  • Inactivated vaccines.
  • Subunit, recombinant, or conjugate vaccines.

Conclusion

• Immunology is crucial for developing therapies and vaccines.
• Ongoing research is necessary to combat emerging diseases.