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- foreign molecules Proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, nucleic acids Of sufficient size Structural stability Degradable- how it can be broken down Complex- how long it will take to break down Foreign to the organism (immunogenic)- pollen, protein (transplant)

Immune System Functions: Defense: Homeostasis Surveillance 4 basic requirements: Specificity: antibody to work against it Diversity: Adaptivity: Ability to respond to new stimuli: Recognizes then reacts

© 2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

Cells of the Immune System Other 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 Recognition Antibodies – assist in destruction or neutralization of the antigen Immunoglobulins (Ig) IgG-main, most abundant, most recognizable, 2 nd made IgA- early on, nasal passage, skin IgM- 1 st antibody found in new infection IgD- allows for elimiation of allergen IgE- (next slide)

Immune Response Modes of Attack Phagocytosis Cell-mediated cytotoxicity Antibodies- IgE produced by the beta cells Inflammation- responding tissues creates an inflamed environment

© 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- micronutrient used often with burn victims

Immunodeficiency Most caused by malnutrition or genetics Congenital/inherited Males 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

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