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Immune Response

The document provides an overview of the immune system, defining key concepts such as immunity, immunopathology, and the components involved in immune responses. It distinguishes between natural and acquired immunity, detailing the maturation of lymphocytes and the functions of immune cells, including phagocytosis and inflammatory responses. The stages of immune response are outlined, emphasizing recognition, proliferation, response, and effector stages in combating foreign invaders.

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LG Lastre
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93 views2 pages

Immune Response

The document provides an overview of the immune system, defining key concepts such as immunity, immunopathology, and the components involved in immune responses. It distinguishes between natural and acquired immunity, detailing the maturation of lymphocytes and the functions of immune cells, including phagocytosis and inflammatory responses. The stages of immune response are outlined, emphasizing recognition, proliferation, response, and effector stages in combating foreign invaders.

Uploaded by

LG Lastre
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Overview of the Immune System

Definition and Key Concepts

 Immunity: The body's specific protective response to invading foreign


agents or organisms, distinguishing it from nonspecific responses.
 Immunopathology: The study of diseases resulting from dysfunction
of the immune system, highlighting the importance of immune
regulation.
 Components of the Immune System: Includes bone marrow (site of
T and B cell production) and lymphoid tissues (spleen and lymph
nodes) that play critical roles in immune responses.

Types of Immunity

 Natural Immunity: A nonspecific response to any foreign invader,


involving white blood cells that release mediators like histamine and
bradykinin.
 Acquired Immunity: A specific response developed after exposure to
an antigen, which can be active (long-lasting) or passive (temporary).
 Active Immunity: Developed by the individual's own immune system,
lasting many years or a lifetime, such as through vaccination.
 Passive Immunity: Temporary immunity gained from another source,
such as maternal antibodies transferred through breastfeeding.

Development and Function of


Immune Cells
Maturation of Lymphocytes

 B Lymphocytes: Mature in the bone marrow and are responsible for


antibody production.
 T Lymphocytes: Mature in the thymus and differentiate into various
functional cells, including helper and cytotoxic T cells.

Immune System Functions

 Phagocytosis: Monocytes and neutrophils engulf and destroy foreign


bodies and toxins, playing a crucial role in the immune response.
 Inflammatory Response: A protective response to injury or infection,
involving chemical mediators that minimize blood loss and activate
phagocytes.
 Homeostasis Maintenance: The immune system's role in removing
foreign antigens to maintain internal balance.

Stages of Immune Response


Four Stages of Immune Response

1. Recognition: Antigens are identified as foreign, with lymphocytes


surveilling through lymph nodes.
2. Proliferation: Lymphocytes return to lymph nodes, stimulating T and
B cells to enlarge and divide.
3. Response: Antibodies are produced by B lymphocytes, while T cells
attack microbes directly.
4. Effector Stage: Involves humoral immunity (antibody action) and
cellular immunity (cytotoxic T cell action).

Phagocytic Immune Response

 WBCs: White blood cells ingest and destroy foreign particles, a key
aspect of the immune response.
 Apoptosis: Programmed cell death that helps regulate immune
responses and eliminate damaged cells.

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