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 characteristicsProteins, polysaccharides, lipids, nucleic acidsOf sufficient size: bacteria, virus on organismStructural stabilityDegradableComplex: how calories, pro to prevent further

damageForeign to the organism (immunogenic): can be

pollen (allergy), protein from transplant

Immune SystemFunctions:

Defense- via cellsHomeostasisSurveillance- section off that antigen or concern

4 basic requirements:Specificity- antibody to work againstDiversity- move througout systemAdaptivity- to certain type of antigen that’s

presentAbility to respond to new stimuli- might morph

into different concerns

Recognizes then reacts

© 2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

© 2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

Cells of the Immune SystemOther 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 AttackPhagocytosisCell-mediated cytotoxicityAntibodies Inflammation

© 2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

Altered and Foreign cells

Transplant RejectionHost 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 geneticsMalnutrition – d/t lack of access and dietary choiceAffects through the life spanCritical nutrients

Vitamins A, C, B6, E, essential fatty acids, beta-carotene, manganese, selenium, zinc, copper, iron, sulfur, manganese, germanium

ImmunodeficiencyMost caused by malnutrition or genetics

Congenital/inheritedMales more likely - X recessive

X-linked agammaglobulinemia IgA deficiency most common DiGeorge syndrome Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome Bare lymphocyte syndrome SCIDs – “bubble boy”

ImmunodeficiencyAcquired Immunodeficiencies

From cancer treatmentHIVFrom burns From IBD

Immune System Attack

Type I / IgEFood allergies - 1-2% of adultsMany confuse allergy with intoleranceAllergy – immune responseHistamines in cheese, wine, some fish may cause

intolerancesLactose intolerance is most commonAlso yellow dye no. 5, MSG, sulfites

Immune System Attack

Common food allergensPeanuts, tree nutsShellfishFishFood additivesMilkSoyEggWheat

Immune System Attack

Asthma – chronic airway inflammation and excessive airway sensitivity to various triggersGenetic, environmental, lifestyleSymptoms may be intermittent, although constant

inflammation presentWheezing, cough, chest tightness, difficulty

breathing, sputum production

Autoimmunity

Adaptive response against self5-7% of adults, older, femaleTestosterone, estrogen

Pathogenic immune cells cross-react with human cells

Autoantibodies produce lesions