Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Cells Of A Acquired Immunity
Human Health and Disease: Cells of Acquired Immunity
Acquired immunity is the immune response that our body develops after exposure to pathogens
B lymphocytes (B cells) and T lymphocytes (T cells) are the key cells of acquired immunity
These cells are derived from stem cells in the bone marrow
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Cells Of A Acquired Immunity
B Lymphocytes (B cells)
B cells are responsible for antibody-mediated immunity
They mature in the bone marrow
B cell receptors (BCRs) on their surface recognize specific antigens
When activated, B cells differentiate into plasma cells that produce antibodies
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Cells Of A Acquired Immunity
T Lymphocytes (T cells)
T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity
They mature in the thymus gland
T cell receptors (TCRs) on their surface recognize specific antigens presented by antigen-presenting cells (APCs)
There are different types of T cells, including helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells, and regulatory T cells
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Cells Of A Acquired Immunity
Antigen-Presenting Cells (APCs)
APCs present antigens to T cells to activate immune responses
Dendritic cells, macrophages, and B cells are examples of APCs
APCs engulf pathogens, process them, and present their antigens on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Cells Of A Acquired Immunity
Helper T Cells
Helper T cells (Th cells) play a crucial role in coordinating immune responses
They recognize antigens presented by APCs through their TCRs
Th cells secrete cytokines that activate other immune cells and stimulate B cells to produce antibodies
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Cells Of A Acquired Immunity
Cytotoxic T Cells
Cytotoxic T cells (Tc cells) are responsible for killing infected cells
They recognize antigens presented by infected cells through their TCRs
Tc cells release cytotoxic molecules (e.g., perforin, granzymes) to induce apoptosis in the infected cells
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Cells Of A Acquired Immunity
Regulatory T Cells
Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) help maintain immune tolerance and prevent excessive immune responses
They suppress the activity of other immune cells, including B cells and T cells
Treg cells play a role in preventing autoimmune diseases
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Cells Of A Acquired Immunity
Antibodies (Immunoglobulins)
Antibodies are glycoprotein molecules produced by plasma cells derived from B cells
They have specific binding sites (paratopes) that recognize and bind to specific antigens (epitopes)
Antibodies can neutralize pathogens, facilitate phagocytosis, activate complement system, and stimulate other immune cells
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Cells Of A Acquired Immunity
Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)
MHC molecules are cell surface proteins that present antigens to T cells
MHC class I molecules present intracellular antigens to cytotoxic T cells
MHC class II molecules present extracellular antigens to helper T cells
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Cells Of A Acquired Immunity
Summary
Acquired immunity involves B lymphocytes (B cells) and T lymphocytes (T cells)
B cells are responsible for antibody-mediated immunity, while T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity
Antigen-presenting cells (APCs) present antigens to T cells to activate immune responses
Helper T cells (Th cells) coordinate immune responses, cytotoxic T cells (Tc cells) kill infected cells, and regulatory T cells (Treg cells) maintain immune tolerance
Antibodies (immunoglobulins) produced by B cells bind to specific antigens and can neutralize pathogens or stimulate other immune cells
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Cells Of A Acquired Immunity
B Cell Activation and Antibody Production
B cell activation occurs when the B cell’s BCR recognizes and binds to an antigen
This binding stimulates the B cell to proliferate and differentiate into plasma cells
Plasma cells produce and secrete antibodies specific to the antigen that activated them
Antibodies can bind to antigens, neutralize them, and mark them for destruction by other immune cells
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Cells Of A Acquired Immunity
T Cell Activation and Immune Response
T cell activation requires the interaction of TCRs with antigens presented by APCs
Helper T cells recognize antigens presented on MHC class II molecules and release cytokines to activate immune responses
Cytotoxic T cells recognize antigens presented on MHC class I molecules and kill infected cells
This coordinated response helps eliminate pathogens and infected cells
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Cells Of A Acquired Immunity
Memory Cells and Secondary Immune Response
After an initial immune response, some B and T cells differentiate into memory cells
Memory cells have a longer lifespan and can quickly respond to the same antigen upon re-exposure
During a secondary immune response, memory cells proliferate and differentiate into effector cells faster and with greater efficiency
This leads to a quicker and stronger immune response
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Cells Of A Acquired Immunity
Antibody Structure and Functions
Antibodies are composed of four polypeptide chains
: two heavy chains and two light chains
The variable regions of the heavy and light chains form the antigen-binding site
Antibodies can bind to antigens in various ways
:
Neutralization: Preventing the antigen from entering host cells
Opsonization: Promoting phagocytosis by coating the antigen
Agglutination: Clumping pathogens together for easier elimination
Activation of complement system: Promoting inflammation and lysis of cells
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Cells Of A Acquired Immunity
Primary and Secondary Immune Disorders
Primary immune disorders result from genetic defects affecting the development or function of immune cells
Examples include severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and agammaglobulinemia
Secondary immune disorders are acquired due to factors such as infections, medications, or autoimmune diseases
HIV/AIDS is an example of a secondary immune disorder
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Cells Of A Acquired Immunity
Vaccines and Immunization
Vaccines are preparations that stimulate the immune system to produce an immune response to specific antigens
They contain attenuated or inactivated pathogens, their components, or synthetic antigens
Vaccination helps prevent diseases by providing immunity without the risk of severe illness
Common vaccines include those against measles, polio, influenza, and hepatitis
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Cells Of A Acquired Immunity
Monoclonal Antibodies
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are antibodies derived from a single clone of B cells
They are produced in laboratory settings and can be specific to a particular antigen
mAbs have various applications, including targeted therapy for cancer, autoimmune diseases, and diagnostic tests
Examples of therapeutic mAbs include trastuzumab, rituximab, and infliximab
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Cells Of A Acquired Immunity
Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks and damages its own cells and tissues
Examples include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes
Autoimmune diseases can involve various mechanisms, such as autoantibody production or activation of autoreactive T cells
Treatment typically focuses on suppressing immune responses and alleviating symptoms
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Cells Of A Acquired Immunity
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells
Approaches include immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell transfer, and immune stimulants
These therapies can enhance the ability of the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells
Immunotherapy has shown promising results in treating various types of cancer
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Cells Of A Acquired Immunity
Conclusion
B cells and T cells are essential cells of acquired immunity
They recognize antigens and activate immune responses to protect against pathogens
Antibodies produced by B cells play a crucial role in antibody-mediated immunity
The immune system can be affected by genetic disorders, infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancer
Vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and immunotherapy are important tools in combating diseases and improving human health
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Cells Of A Acquired Immunity
Disorders of the Immune System
Allergies
:
Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to harmless substances (allergens) such as pollen, dust mites, or certain foods.
Symptoms can include sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and difficulty breathing.
Common allergic conditions include hay fever, asthma, and eczema.
Autoimmune Diseases
:
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues in the body.
Examples include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and multiple sclerosis.
These diseases can cause chronic inflammation and damage to various organs and systems.
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Cells Of A Acquired Immunity
Disorders of the Immune System
Immunodeficiency Disorders
:
Immunodeficiency disorders are a group of disorders in which the immune system is weakened or non-functioning.
Primary immunodeficiency disorders are usually genetic and present from birth, while secondary immunodeficiency disorders can be acquired later in life.
Examples include severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), HIV/AIDS, and certain types of cancers.
Hypersensitivity Reactions
:
Hypersensitivity reactions occur when the immune system overreacts and causes damage to the body’s own tissues.
There are four types of hypersensitivity reactions: type I (immediate hypersensitivity), type II (cytotoxic hypersensitivity), type III (immune complex-mediated hypersensitivity), and type IV (delayed hypersensitivity).
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Cells Of A Acquired Immunity
Disorders of the Immune System
Transplant Rejections
:
Transplant rejections occur when the recipient’s immune system recognizes the transplanted organ or tissue as foreign and attacks it.
This can happen due to differences in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) types between the donor and recipient.
Medications called immunosuppressants are used to prevent transplant rejections.
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Cells Of A Acquired Immunity
Applications of Immunology
Diagnosis of Diseases
:
Immunological techniques are used in diagnosing various diseases, including infectious diseases and autoimmune disorders.
Examples include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blotting, and immunofluorescence.
Development of Vaccines
:
Immunology plays a vital role in the development of vaccines that protect against infectious diseases.
Vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce an immune response, leading to immunity against specific pathogens.
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Cells Of A Acquired Immunity
Applications of Immunology
Genetic Engineering
:
Immunology is essential in genetic engineering techniques, such as recombinant DNA technology and gene therapy.
These techniques allow the production of therapeutic proteins and modification of genes for medical purposes.
Cancer Immunotherapy
:
Immunotherapy is a promising approach for treating cancer by harnessing the power of the immune system.
Techniques include immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell transfer, and cancer vaccines.
Prevention of Organ Transplant Rejections
:
The field of immunology has contributed to the development of immunosuppressant drugs and techniques to minimize the risk of rejection after organ transplantation.
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Cells Of A Acquired Immunity
Summary: Cells of Acquired Immunity
Acquired immunity involves B lymphocytes (B cells) and T lymphocytes (T cells) that develop from stem cells.
B cells mediate antibody-mediated immunity, while T cells mediate cell-mediated immunity.
Helper T cells (Th cells) coordinate immune responses, cytotoxic T cells (Tc cells) kill infected cells, and regulatory T cells (Treg cells) maintain immune tolerance.
Antibodies produced by plasma cells derived from B cells can neutralize pathogens, promote phagocytosis, agglutinate pathogens, and activate the complement system.
Immunological disorders, such as allergies, autoimmune diseases, and immunodeficiency disorders, occur when the immune system malfunctions.
The field of immunology has various applications, including disease diagnosis, vaccine development, genetic engineering, cancer immunotherapy, and prevention of organ transplant rejections.
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Cells Of A Acquired Immunity
Equations
Antibody Structure Equation
:
Antibodies = 2 Heavy chains (H) + 2 Light chains (L) + 2 Antigen-binding sites (Variable regions)
Cell-Mediated Immunity Equation
:
Infected cell + Tc cell recognition of antigen-MHC complex → Cytotoxic response (perforin, granzymes) → Apoptosis of infected cell
Antibody-Mediated Immunity Equation
:
Antigen + B cell recognition of antigen → B cell activation → Plasma cell differentiation → Antibody production
Immunodeficiency Equation
:
Weakened immune system + Increased susceptibility to infections = Immunodeficiency disorder
Autoimmune Equation
:
Self-antigens + Autoantibodies or autoreactive T cells = Autoimmune disease
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Cells Of A Acquired Immunity
Example: Antigen Presentation
Dendritic cells are an example of antigen-presenting cells (APCs).
When a pathogen enters the body, dendritic cells engulf and process it.
The processed antigens are presented on MHC class II molecules on the dendritic cell’s surface.
Helper T cells recognize these antigens and become activated, initiating an immune response.
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Cells Of A Acquired Immunity
Example: Antibody Functions
Neutralization Example
:
Antibodies can neutralize the toxins produced by bacteria, preventing them from causing harm.
Opsonization Example
:
Antibodies can coat bacteria, facilitating their recognition and phagocytosis by macrophages.
Agglutination Example
:
Antibodies can bind to multiple pathogens (e.g., bacteria) and clump them together, making it easier for phagocytes to eliminate them.
Complement Activation Example
:
Antibodies can activate the complement system, leading to the recruitment of immune cells and lysis of target cells.
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Cells Of A Acquired Immunity
Example: Vaccination
Influenza Vaccine Example
:
The influenza vaccine contains inactivated or attenuated strains of the influenza virus.
When the vaccine is administered, the immune system recognizes the antigens present in the vaccine.
B cells produce antibodies specific to the antigens, and memory cells are also generated.
Upon subsequent exposure to the influenza virus, the immune system mounts a faster and stronger immune response, preventing severe illness.
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Cells Of A Acquired Immunity
Example: Monoclonal Antibodies
Rituximab Example
:
Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of certain types of lymphomas and autoimmune diseases.
It targets a specific antigen, CD20, which is expressed on the surface of B cells.
By binding to CD20, rituximab triggers the destruction of B cells, contributing to the treatment of these conditions.
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Cells Of A Acquired Immunity
Example: Autoimmune Disease
Rheumatoid Arthritis Example
:
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation in the joints.
The immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium, a protective membrane around the joints.
This leads to chronic inflammation, pain, swelling, and ultimately, joint damage.
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Cells Of A Acquired Immunity
Example: Cancer Immunotherapy
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Example
:
Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab, are used in the treatment of various cancers.
They block proteins called immune checkpoints, which regulate immune responses.
By inhibiting these checkpoints, the drugs can enhance the immune system’s ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells.