Topic
Headings
Notes:
Keywords:
Specific Immune Response:
1. B-Lymphocytes (B Cells):
Lymphocytes: White blood
cells, B-cells, and T-cells.
Maturation: B-cells mature in the bone marrow before birth.
Antibody Production: Millions of B-cell types with different antibody receptors are produced.
Clonal Selection: When an antigen enters for the first time, specific B-cells are stimulated to divide.
Clonal Expansion: Clones of B-cells are produced, leading to a large number of identical B-cells.
Cell Types: Differentiate into plasma cells (short-lived, secrete antibodies) and memory cells (longlasting).
2. T-Lymphocytes (T Cells):
Maturation: Immature T-cells leave the bone marrow and mature in the thymus.
T Cell Receptors: Mature T-cells have specific surface receptors.
Activation: T-cells are activated when they encounter their specific antigen presented by host cells.
Types: Differentiate into helper T cells (stimulate B-cells and macrophages) and killer T cells (kill
infected cells).
Non-Specific Immune Response:
First Line of Defense:
Physical Barriers: Skin and mucous membranes prevent pathogen entry.
Expulsive Reflexes: Coughs and sneezes expel pathogens from the respiratory tract.
Chemical Secretions: Lysozymes, hydrochloric acid, and other substances create an inhospitable
environment.
Commensal Organisms: Non-pathogenic bacteria compete with pathogens for nutrients.
Second Line of Defense:
Blood Clotting: Rapid response to wounds prevents blood loss and pathogen entry.
Inflammation: Local response to infection and tissue damage, involving vasodilation, increased
permeability, and phagocyte migration.
Wound Repair: Formation of scabs, blood vessel growth, collagen production, and tissue healing.
General Characteristics of Non-Specific Immune Responses:
Present from Birth: Non-specific defenses are inherent and don't require prior exposure.
Rapid Response: Immediate, but not tailored to specific pathogens.
Not Always Effective: Non-specific defenses may not be sufficient for certain pathogens.
Summary:
In summary, the specific immune response involves the
activation and differentiation of B and T lymphocytes, leading to
the production of antibodies and the destruction of specific
pathogens. On the other hand, non-specific immune responses
provide general protection through physical, cellular, and
chemical barriers, as well as rapid responses like inflammation
and blood clotting, but without specificity for particular
pathogens.
B-Cells: Maturation, clonal
selection, clonal expansion,
plasma cells, memory cells.
Antibodies: Produced by Bcells, specific to antigens.
T-Cells: Maturation in thymus,
activation, helper T cells,
killer T cells.
First Line of Defense:
Physical (skin, mucous
membranes), expulsive
reflexes, chemical secretions,
commensal organisms.
Second Line of Defense:
Blood clotting, inflammation,
wound repair.
Inflammation: Vasodilation,
increased permeability,
phagocyte migration.
Wound Repair: Scab
formation, blood vessel
growth, collagen production.