Immunology KNH 413
Immunity Body’s ability to recognize material as foreign and to neutralize, eliminate, and/or metabolize it Symptoms from an infectious disease
Antigens and Immunogens Antigen characteristics Proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, nucleic acids Of sufficient size Structural stability Degradable Complex Foreign to the organism (immunogenic)
Immune System Functions: 4 basic requirements: Recognizes then reacts Defense Homeostasis Surveillance 4 basic requirements: Specificity Diversity Adaptivity Ability to respond to new stimuli Recognizes then reacts
© 2007 Thomson - Wadsworth
© 2007 Thomson - Wadsworth
Cells of the Immune System Other cells Mast cells Mucosal surfaces Dendritic cells Lymph nodes Langerhans cells Skin
Antigen Recognition Antibodies – assist in destruction or neutralization of the antigen Immunoglobulins (Ig) IgG IgA IgM IgD IgE
Immune Response Modes of Attack Phagocytosis Cell-mediated cytotoxicity Antibodies Inflammation
© 2007 Thomson - Wadsworth
Altered and Foreign cells Transplant 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 critical Immunosuppression required Unique challenges based on organ
Immunodeficiency Most caused by malnutrition or genetics Malnutrition – d/t lack of access and dietary choice Affects through the life span Critical nutrients Vitamins A, C, B6, E, essential fatty acids, beta-carotene, manganese, selenium, zinc, copper, iron, sulfur, manganese, germanium
Immunodeficiency Most caused by malnutrition or genetics Congenital/inherited Males more likely - X recessive X-linked agammaglobulinemia IgA deficiency most common DiGeorge syndrome Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome Bare lymphocyte syndrome SCIDs – “bubble boy”
Immunodeficiency Acquired Immunodeficiencies From cancer treatment HIV From burns From IBD
Immune System Attack Type I / IgE Food allergies - 1-2% of adults Many confuse allergy with intolerance Allergy – immune response Histamines in cheese, wine, some fish may cause intolerances Lactose intolerance is most common Also yellow dye no. 5, MSG, sulfites
Immune System Attack Common food allergens Peanuts, tree nuts Shellfish Fish Food additives Milk Soy Egg Wheat
Immune System Attack Asthma – chronic airway inflammation and excessive airway sensitivity to various triggers Genetic, environmental, lifestyle Symptoms may be intermittent, although constant inflammation present Wheezing, cough, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, sputum production
Autoimmunity Adaptive response against self 5-7% of adults, older, female Testosterone, estrogen Pathogenic immune cells cross-react with human cells Autoantibodies produce lesions