EXAM 1 STUDY GUIDE CH 1-3
o Immunology: Study of the immune system and its responses.
o Immunity: The body's ability to resist or eliminate potentially harmful foreign
materials or abnormal cells.
o Antigen: A substance that is recognized by the immune system and elicits an
immune response.
o Antibody: A protein produced by B cells that binds specifically to an antigen.
o Attenuation: The process of weakening a pathogen for use in vaccines.
o Hapten: A small molecule that is not immunogenic by itself but can become
antigenic when attached to a larger carrier.
o Adjuvant: A substance added to vaccines to enhance the body’s immune
response to an antigen.
o Heterophile antigen: Antigens from unrelated species that cross-react (used
in mono testing).
o Alloantigen: Antigens that differ between members of the same species (e.g.,
in transplants).
o Isoantigen: Genetically determined antigens found in some but not all
individuals of a species (e.g., blood groups).
o HLA antigen: Human Leukocyte Antigens involved in immune response and
transplant compatibility.
o Haplotype: A set of genes inherited together from a single parent, often
referring to HLA genes.
o Immunogenicity: The ability of a substance to provoke an immune response.
Term Definition
Immunolo Study of immune system structure and
gy function
Immunity The state of being protected against
infectious disease
Serology Study of serum and immune responses in
body fluids
Innate Immunity Adaptive Immunity
Immediate Delayed (days)
Non-specific Highly specific
No Yes
Phagocytes, NK cells, B cells, T cells,
barriers antibodies
Innate Immunity Cells
o Neutrophils: Phagocytic, first responders
, o Macrophages: Phagocytic, present antigens to T cells
o Dendritic cells: Antigen-presenting cells (bridge to adaptive immunity)
o Natural Killer (NK) cells: Destroy infected or cancerous cells
o Basophils/Mast cells: Release histamine in allergic responses
o Eosinophils: Combat parasites, involved in allergies
Adaptive Immunity Cells
o B lymphocytes: Produce antibodies (humoral immunity)
o T lymphocytes:
o Helper T cells (CD4⁺): Activate B cells and other immune cells
o Cytotoxic T cells (CD8⁺): Kill infected or abnormal cells
o Plasma cells: Differentiated B cells that secrete antibodies
o Memory B and T cells: Provide long-term immunity
Type Description Example
Natural Infection → body produces immune Chickenpox
Active response infection
Natural Transfer of antibodies from mother to Breast milk or
Passive baby placenta
Artificial Vaccination induces immune Measles vaccine
Active response
Artificial Injected antibodies Rabies
Passive immunoglobulin
Type Organs Function
Primary Bone marrow, Thymus Produce and mature lymphocytes
Seconda Lymph nodes, Spleen, MALT (tonsils, Sites where immune responses
ry Peyer’s patches) are initiated
o Immunogens: Substances capable of inducing an immune response
Characteristics:
- High molecular weight
- Chemical complexity
- Foreignness to the host
o Immunology: Study of the immune system and its responses.
o Immunity: The body's ability to resist or eliminate potentially harmful foreign
materials or abnormal cells.
o Antigen: A substance that is recognized by the immune system and elicits an
immune response.
o Antibody: A protein produced by B cells that binds specifically to an antigen.
o Attenuation: The process of weakening a pathogen for use in vaccines.
o Hapten: A small molecule that is not immunogenic by itself but can become
antigenic when attached to a larger carrier.
o Adjuvant: A substance added to vaccines to enhance the body’s immune
response to an antigen.
o Heterophile antigen: Antigens from unrelated species that cross-react (used
in mono testing).
o Alloantigen: Antigens that differ between members of the same species (e.g.,
in transplants).
o Isoantigen: Genetically determined antigens found in some but not all
individuals of a species (e.g., blood groups).
o HLA antigen: Human Leukocyte Antigens involved in immune response and
transplant compatibility.
o Haplotype: A set of genes inherited together from a single parent, often
referring to HLA genes.
o Immunogenicity: The ability of a substance to provoke an immune response.
Term Definition
Immunolo Study of immune system structure and
gy function
Immunity The state of being protected against
infectious disease
Serology Study of serum and immune responses in
body fluids
Innate Immunity Adaptive Immunity
Immediate Delayed (days)
Non-specific Highly specific
No Yes
Phagocytes, NK cells, B cells, T cells,
barriers antibodies
Innate Immunity Cells
o Neutrophils: Phagocytic, first responders
, o Macrophages: Phagocytic, present antigens to T cells
o Dendritic cells: Antigen-presenting cells (bridge to adaptive immunity)
o Natural Killer (NK) cells: Destroy infected or cancerous cells
o Basophils/Mast cells: Release histamine in allergic responses
o Eosinophils: Combat parasites, involved in allergies
Adaptive Immunity Cells
o B lymphocytes: Produce antibodies (humoral immunity)
o T lymphocytes:
o Helper T cells (CD4⁺): Activate B cells and other immune cells
o Cytotoxic T cells (CD8⁺): Kill infected or abnormal cells
o Plasma cells: Differentiated B cells that secrete antibodies
o Memory B and T cells: Provide long-term immunity
Type Description Example
Natural Infection → body produces immune Chickenpox
Active response infection
Natural Transfer of antibodies from mother to Breast milk or
Passive baby placenta
Artificial Vaccination induces immune Measles vaccine
Active response
Artificial Injected antibodies Rabies
Passive immunoglobulin
Type Organs Function
Primary Bone marrow, Thymus Produce and mature lymphocytes
Seconda Lymph nodes, Spleen, MALT (tonsils, Sites where immune responses
ry Peyer’s patches) are initiated
o Immunogens: Substances capable of inducing an immune response
Characteristics:
- High molecular weight
- Chemical complexity
- Foreignness to the host
