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: bacteria, virus on organism Structural stability Degradable Complex: how calories, pro to prevent further damage Foreign to the organism (immunogenic): can be pollen (allergy), protein from transplant

Immune System Functions: Defense- via cells Homeostasis Surveillance- section off that antigen or concern 4 basic requirements: Specificity- antibody to work against Diversity- move througout system Adaptivity- to certain type of antigen that’s present Ability to respond to new stimuli- might morph into different concerns Recognizes then reacts

© 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 – 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, B 6, 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