Title: TOPIC 6 Immune System Resistance to Disease
1TOPIC 6 Immune SystemResistance to Disease
Biology 221 Anatomy Physiology II
Chapter 21 pp. 778-787
E. Lathrop-Davis / E. Gorski / S. Kabrhel
2Overview Functions
- Resistance is the result of a functional system
rather than anatomical system. It includes parts
of several systems. - The functions of resistance include
- protecting the body against pathogens, such as
- microbes, which are prokaryotic and
- parasites, which are eukaryotic
- eliminating tissues and cells that have been
damaged, infected by viruses or killed - distinguishing between self and non-self antigens
(mainly proteins) and removing the things that
dont belong.
3Overview
- Two types of resistance work together against
disease - Innate resistance is also called nonspecific
resistance. - Inate resistance represents a general defense
against wide range of pathogens. - A rapid response occurs because these mechanisms
are in place at birth. - The mechanisms of inate resistance include
intact membranes, phagocytes, antimicrobial
chemicals, and inflammation.
4Overview
- Two types of resistance work together against
disease - Adaptive resistance is also called specific
resistance. - Adaptive resistance offers specific responses to
specific pathogens. - The response is slower than innate system because
it must be acquired as person is exposed. - Mechanisms of adaptive resistance include T cell
lymphocytes and antibodies, which are produced by
plasma cells (derived from B cell lymphocytes).
5Nonspecific Resistance - Overview
- The three main mechanisms of nonspecific
resistance are - physical barriers
- cellular barriers and
- fever.
See Table 22.2, p. 801
6Physical Barriers - Overview
- Physical barriers to pathogens include
- intact skin
- intact mucous membranes and
- mucus.
7Physical Barriers Intact Skin
- Skin consists of keratinized stratified squamous
epithelium. Multiple layers of closely packed
cells prevent entry of most pathogens. - The skin is relatively dry, which inhibits growth
of some pathogens. - Sebaceous gland secrete antibacterial chemicals,
such as lysozyme and certain fatty acids. - The normal bacterial flora compete with
pathogens, thus inhibiting growth of the
pathogens. - The skin is slightly acidic and slightly salty
(from sweat), both of which inhibit certain types
of bacteria.
Fig. 5.3, p. 152
8Physical Barriers Mucous Membranes
- Mucous membranes line body cavities open to
outside, including the digestive, urinary,
reproductive, and respiratory tracts. - Like the skin, the closely packed cells of the
nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium
that lines openings where abrasion is most likely
to occur (mouth, pharynx, esophagus, vagina,
parts of rectum and urethra) provide an intact
barrier to entrance of pathogens.
9Physical Barriers Mucous Membranes
- The pH in some areas is low varying from slightly
acidic (mouth, vagina, urethra) to highly acidic
(stomach). This prevents the growth of many types
of pathogens. - Antimicrobial proteins, such as lysozyme in
saliva and lacrimal fluid, also inhibits growth. - Normal bacterial flora compete with pathogens.
10Physical Barriers Mucus
- Mucus is produce by glands (such as goblet
cells). Hairs help trap particles caught in the
mucus. - Cilia move particle-laden mucus. The ciliary
escalator present in the trachea and bronchi
moves mucus and particles up to throat where the
particle-laden mucus can be swallowed or spit out.
11Cellular Responses Inflammation
- The functions of inflammation include
- preventing the spread of pathogens or damaging
chemicals to other tissues - removing dead cells and pathogens from tissues
and - preparing tissues for repair by increasing blood
supply and removing debris. - The four cardinal signs of inflammation are
- redness, heat, swelling, and pain.
12Main Inflammatory Chemicals
- Important inflammatory chemicals include
histamine, kinins, prostaglandins, complement and
cytokines. - Histamine is secreted by basophils and mast
cells. - Histamine causes vasodilation and increased
capillary permeability. This increases blood flow
and contributes to the redness, heat and swelling
associated with inflammation. - Antihistamines are used to reduce the effects of
histamines.
13Main Inflammatory Chemicals
- Kinins are proteins (e.g., bradykinin) that cause
vasodilation and increased capillary
permeability. - Kinins induce chemotaxis, that is, they draw WBCs
to the affected area. - Kinins stimulate pain receptors.
- Prostaglandins are fatty acid molecules (in the
lipid class of macromolecules) that sensitize
blood vessels to other inflammatory chemicals and
thus enhance inflammation. - Like kinins, prostaglandins stimulate pain
receptors.
14Other Inflammatory Chemicals
- Complement is a complex of proteins that has
several functions including enhancing
inflammation. (Covered shortly) - Cytokines are proteins released by various WBCs
and tissue cells. Many enhance various aspects of
inflammation
15Process of Inflammation
- The process of inflammation begins with release
of inflammatory chemicals. - These chemical induce the vascular changes
associated with inflammation, including
vasodilation and increased capillary
permeability. - These changes result in hyperemia, or increased
blood flow to the area, is a result of
vasodilation. - Exudate formation occurs due to increased
capillary permeability. This fluid lost to the
tissue contains plasma proteins such as clotting
proteins and antibodies. It also causes the
swelling associated with inflammation.
See Fig. 22.2, p. 797
16Process of Inflammation
- Increased blood flow increases the local
temperature leading to increased cellular
metabolism. This increases the effectiveness of
WBCs and tissue repair. It also causes the area
to become hot. - Increased blood flow also brings increased oxygen
and nutrients to tissue and cellular defenders. - Leakage of clotting proteins walls off pathogens
to limit spread and forms a network of fibers for
tissue repair.
See Fig. 22.2, p. 797
17Process of Inflammation (cont)
- Phagocyte mobilization includes several steps
- Chemicals induce leukocytosis, an increase in the
number of leukocytes (especially neutrophils). - Chemotaxis due to chemicals released during
inflammation draws leukocytes to injured area. - Endothelial cells in the affect area produce
membrane proteins that promote margination (also
called pavementing) in which leukocytes adhere
to capillary wall.
See Fig. 22.3, p. 798
18Process of Inflammation (cont)
- Diapedesis occurs as neutrophils squeeze
themselves through the capillary wall. - Neutrophils phagocytize pathogens and debris.
- Monocytes reach the affected area more slowly
than neutrophils. - Pus formation occurs with severe infection as
WBCs, dead and dying tissue cells, and pathogens
accumulate.
See Fig. 22.3, p. 798
19Phagocytes in Inflammation
- Neutrophils respond most quickly (usually within
a few hours) and are thus associated with acute,
local infections. - Monocytes respond more slowly (usually within
8-12 hours) and are thus associated with chronic
infections. - Monocytes enter affected tissues and become
macrophages with more lysosomes needed for
phagocytosis.
20Cellular Responses Major Phagocytes
- Macrophages are derived from monocytes that have
moved into and reside in tissues. Macrophages can
be classified as free or fixed. - Free (also called wandering) macrophages move
through tissues. - Fixed macrophages generally stay in particular
tissues and are associated with certain organs.
The Kuppfer cells of the liver and microglia of
the brain are examples.
http//www.usc.edu/hsc/dental/ghisto/gi/c_90.html
21Cellular Responses Major Phagocytes
- Neutrophils are also called microphages.
- Neutrophils respond quickly to localized
infections where they undergo degranulation. This
release of chemicals stored in their granules
destroys pathogens but also kills the neutrophil.
http//www.usc.edu/hsc/dental/ghisto/bld/c_1.html
22Cellular Responses Other Phagocytes
- Eosinophils respond most to parasitic worms and
release chemicals to destroy the worm. - Mast cells reside in tissues where they release
histamine during inflammation. - Mast cells are the least common and respond to
variety of bacteria. Their phagocytic role is
uncertain.
Eosinophil http//www.usc.edu/hsc/dental/ghisto/b
ld/c_3.html
Mast Cell http//image.bloodline.net/stories/stor
yReader1682
23Mechanism of Phagocytosis
- Phagocytosis begins with microbial adherence,
which requires the recognition of bacterium as
non-self, that is, that it doesnt belong in
the body. - This is more difficult with encapsulated
bacteria. - Opsonization is enhanced phagocytosis due to the
presence of complement proteins and/or antibodies
attached to the bacterium. - After adhering, the phagocyte forms pseudopodia
and engulfs the particle into a phagocytic
vesicle. - The phagocytic vesicle is then joined with a
lysosome. - The particle is digested. The indigestible
material is removed from the phagocyte by
exocytosis.
See Fig. 22.1, p. 795
24Mechanism of Phagocytosis (cont)
- A respiratory burst is used against pathogens
that resist lysosomal enzymes (e.g., tuberculosis
bacteria). - The burst is stimulated by chemicals released
by specific immune system. - The burst produces free radicals (e.g., NO,
H2O2, and bleach-like compounds) that oxidize
macromolecules in the bacterium. - Defensins are antimicrobial proteins produced by
neutrophils.
25Cellular Responses Natural Killer (NK) Cells
- NK cells are large, granular lymphocytes.
- NK cells are responsible for immunological
surveillance, that is, they respond to abnormal
antigens in the bodys own cells. These abnormal
cells include cancer cells and virally-infected
cells. - NK cells release perforins that produce channels
in target cell membrane and cause the nucleus to
degrade. - NK cells produce other chemicals that enhance
inflammation.
26Antimicrobial Proteins Complement
- Complement consists of a group of at least 20
plasma proteins that circulate in inactive form
until they activated by one of two pathways. - The two pathways of activation are the classical
and alternative pathways. - The classical pathway is linked to immune system.
- In this pathway, activation results from
interaction of antigen-antibody complexes with
complement proteins. - The alternative pathway results from interactions
of complement proteins with polysaccharides on
surface of certain microorganisms
27Antimicrobial Proteins Complement
- Both pathways start cascades resulting in
- enhanced actions of nonspecific and specific
resistance mechanisms, including inflammation and
opsonization and - lysis of bacterial cells.
Fig. 22.5, p. 800
28Antimicrobial Proteins IFNs
- Interferons (INFs) are a group of related
proteins secreted by body cells infected with
virus. This does nothing to help the infected
cell, but does help prevent the spread of the
virus. - Alpha (?) and beta (?) INFs secreted by
leukocytes and fibroblast, respectively,
stimulate synthesis of PKR in nearby uninfected
cells. - PKR is a protein that blocks protein synthesis at
ribosomes thereby preventing viral replication in
the host cell. - ? interferon also helps reduce inflammation.
29Antimicrobial Proteins IFNs
- Gamma interferon stimulates activity of
macrophages and NK cells - INFs are produced artificially and used
clinically to treat genital warts (caused by
herpes virus), also used in treatment of
hepatitis C, and viral infections in organ
transplant patients.
30Antimicrobial Proteins Lysozyme
- Lysozyme is produced as part of tears saliva.
- It is useful in killing unencapsulated bacteria.
31Fever
- Fever is increased body temperature in response
to pathogens. - It involves resetting of the bodys thermostat
in the hypothalamus from the normal of 98.2oF
(36.2oC). - Leukocytes and macrophages secrete chemicals
called pyrogens in response to bacteria and other
foreign particles. These stimulate the
hypothalamus to reset the bodys temperature
higher.
32Fever
- A mild fever increases metabolic activity and
enhances activity of phagocytes and tissue
repair. - A mild fever also causes the liver and spleen to
sequester iron and zinc, two nutrients needed by
bacteria to multiply. - A high fever (gt 105 oF or 40.5 oC) damages
proteins of the sick person. Fevers over 106oF
are potentially life-threatening.
33Specific (Adaptive) Resistance
- Specific resistance is alsoknown as acquired
resistance or adaptivce resistance. - Characteristics of specific resistance include
that - it is antigen specific that is, responds only to
specific pathogens (viruses, bacteria, toxins) to
which the body has been exposed - it is systemic that is, it responds to pathogens
no matter where they are in the body - it differentiates between normal (self) antigens
and foreign (non-self) antigens - it has memory so that the response is faster
after the first exposure.
34Specific (Adaptive) Resistance
- There are two types of adaptive resistance based
on what type of lymphocytes are involved and how
they are involved. - Humoral immunity, also called antibody-mediated
immunity, is the result of specific antibodies
(immunoglobulin proteins) present in the blood. - Cellular immunity, also called cell-mediated
immunity, is the result of a specific group of
cells called T cell lymphocytes.
35Antigens (Ags)
- Substances that activate immune system and elicit
response are called antigens. Two characteristics
of antigens are - immunogenicity, which means they cause production
of antibody by plasma cells and - reactivity, meaning that they react with
antibodies, if present. - Antigenic determinants, or epitopes, are the
parts of the antigen that are recognized by T
cells and antibodies. - Epitopes are usually protein based or sugar
(carbohydrate) based.
Fig. 22.6, p. 803
36Antigens (cont)
- A complete antigen has both immunogenicity and
reactivity. - Complete anitgens are usually large molecules,
typically with more than one antigenic
determinant. - Most are foreign proteins or nucleic acids some
are lipids or large polysaccharides. - Haptens, also called incomplete antigens, are
reactive but not immunogenic. - Haptens are generally small molecules but can
combine with other molecules to become complete
antigens, i.e., become immunogenic.
37Antigens (cont)
- Self-antigens are major histocompatibility
complex (MHC) proteins, which are glycoproteins
found on individuals own cells. - Self-antigens are used by the body to determine
what does and what does not belong. - There are two major types of self-antigens
- Class I MHC proteins that are found on all cells
of body and - Class II MHC proteins that are found only on
cells involved in immune response.
38Antigens (Ags) Terms
- Agglutination occurs when antibodies bind to
antigenic determinants of cells and cross-links
several together resulting in clumping. - Cross-reactions between blood types is an
example. - Precipitation occurs when antibodies bind to
antigenic determinants of soluble antigens such
as toxins and cause clumping. - Neutralization occus when antibodies cover active
site(s) on the antigen.
39Cells of the Immune System
- Lymphocytes become immunocompetent, or capable of
responding to antigens, in primary lymphoid
organs (bone marrow or thymus), where they also
learn self-tolerance (recognition of bodys own
protein antigens). - After becoming immunocompetent, lymphocytes move
to secondary lymphoid tissue to become exposed to
antigens, then they return to blood and lymph
circulation. - There are 2 major types of lymphcytes involved in
immunity - B cells also called B lymphocytes and
- T cells also called T lymphocytes.
40Cells of the Immune System
- B cells, also called B lymphocytes, become
immunocompetent in bone marrow. - B cells develop into plasma cells after exposure
to antigen. Plasma cells produce antibodies to
the specific antigen to which the cell has been
exposed. - B cells are involved in humoral immunity.
- T cells, also called T lymphocytes, become
immunocompetent in the thymus. - T cells are active in cellular immunity.
Fig. 22.8, p. 805
41Cells of the Immune System APCs
- Antigen-presenting cells (APCs) engulf foreign
particles and present fragments of the foreign
proteins on their own surface to T cells so that
the latter can recognize and respond to them. - Several types of cells serve as APCs
- dendritic cells, including the Langerhans cells
of epidermis, - macrophages, and
- activated B cell lymphocytes.
42Humoral Immunity
- Humoral immunity relies on B cells.
- The primary response is the response to the first
exposure to an antigen. - The antigen binds to a B cell with the
appropriate receptors and is engulfed by the B
cell. - The B cells then divides into clonal daughter
cells (all alike) that become plasma cells, which
secrete antibodies, or become memory cells, which
lie are ready for subsequent exposures. - Primary response usually takes 3-6 days.
- Secondary responses are much faster and stronger
due to presence of memory B cells.
Fig. 22.9, p. 807
43Passive Versus ActiveHumoral Immunity
Active - the body has been exposed
Passive - antibodies are given to a recipient
Naturally Acquired
Infection (may or may not have symptoms)
Antibodies passed from mother to fetus or infant
Artificially Acquired
Vaccine (dead or attenuated live but weakened
pathogens)
Injection of gamma globulin (e.g., rabies
antitoxin, snake antivenoms)
44Antibodies
- Antibodies are immunoglobulins (Igs) and make up
the gamma globulin part of plasma proteins. - Their general structure is that they
- consist of 4 polypeptide chains held together by
disulfide bonds, known as an antibody monomer
and - each chain has a variable and a constant region.
- See Table 22.3, p. 811 for the various types of
antibodies.
Fig. 22.12, p. 810
45Antibodies
- The variable region of the antibody gives
specificity to the antibody. - The variable region includes antigen-binding
sites that actually attach to the antigen. - The constant region includes the stem region of
the heavy chains and the proximal parts of both
heavy and light chains. - The stem region determines the actions of the
antibody and determines the classes to which the
antibody belongs.
Fig. 22.12, p. 810
46Most Common Antibody Classes
- IgG antibodies are the most abundant and diverse
plasma antibodies in both primary and secondary
responses. IgG - protects against circulating bacteria, viruses,
toxins - activates complement and
- crosses placenta to protect fetus.
- IgM antibodies act as antigen receptors on B cell
membranes. IgM antibodies - are important to primary response and
- cause agglutination and
- activate complement.
47Less Common Antibody Classes
- IgA antibodies are found primarily in mucus and
other secretions (e.g, saliva, sweat, intestinal
juice, milk). - IgA prevents attachment of antigens to mucosae.
- IgD antibodies act as antigen receptors.
- IgE antibodies are present in skin,
gastrointestinal and respiratory tract mucosae,
and tonsils. - IgE antibodies bind to mast cells and basophils
and stimulate release of histamine. - The titre (measured amount) of IgE increases
during allergy and chronic parasitic infection of
the GI tract.
48Mechanisms of Antibody Action
- Antibodies are important to phagocytosis and
activation of the complement system. - Antibodies enhance phagocytosis by
- neutralization of toxins (covering their
surfaces) - causing agglutination of cellular invaders and
- causing precipitation of toxins.
- Antibodies activate complement,which
- enhances inflammation
- causes cell lysis and
- enhances phagocytosis through opsonization.
Fig. 22.13, p. 812
49Cell-Mediated Immunity
- Cell-mediated involves T cells.
- Several types of T cells exist and are shown in
the following slides and in Table 22.4, p. 818.
The T cells covered in this presentation are - Cytotoxic T cells (TC)
- Helper T cells (TH)
- Suppressor T cells (TS) and
- Delayed hypersensitivity T cells (TDH)
50Cytotoxic T Cells (TC)
- Cytotoxic T cells (also called killer T cells)
destroy body cells that are infected by antigen
(viruses, bacteria, internal parasites) or have
non-self antigens (e.g., cancer cells). - The direct mechanism of action seems to involve
release of perforin onto membrane of affected
cell. Other cytotoxic T cells use slightly
different mechanisms.
Fig. 22.17, p. 820
51Cytotoxic T Cells (TC)
- Other mechanisms include
- lymphotoxin, which causes fragmentation of target
cell DNA) - tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which triggers cell
death, or apoptosis and - gamma interferon, which stimulates macrophages.
52Helper T Cells (TH)
- Helper T cells stimulate production of B cells
and cytotoxic T cells that are involved in the
immune response. - Without helper T cells, the immune system does
not respond. - Cytokines released by helper T cells also
stimulate macrophages to greater activity.
Fig. 22.16, p. 817
53Other Types of T Cells
- Suppressor T cells (TS) limit activity of T and B
cells after infection has been beaten. - Delayed hypersensitivity T cells (TDH) are
involved in delayed allergic reactions. - TDH cell secrete interferon and other cytokines
that enhance nonspecific phagocytosis by
macrophages.
54T Cell Activation
- Two major steps are involved in activation of T
cells - Step 1 is antigen binding.
- The T cell antigen receptor (TCR) binds to the
antigen-MHC protein complex on the body cell. - Step 2 is costimulation by signals from APCs.
- recognition of costimulatory signals stimulates
clonal division of T cells into various types. - Cytokines are chemicals released by macrophages
and T cells some act as costimulators.
55Tissue/Organ Transplants
- Four types of transplants are based on the source
of the tissue. - An autograft is taken from one site and
transplanted into another site in same person.
Skin graft are common examples. - An isograft occurs between identical twins (or
members of same clone). - An allograft occurs between nonidentical
individuals of same species. Heart and kidney
transplants are examples. - Xenografts are transplants between different
species, such as transplanting pig valves in a
human heart or a baboon heart into and infant.
56Tissue/Organ Transplant Rejection
- Rejection occurs when antigens on donor tissue
are attacked by recipients immune system. - Immunosuppressive therapy is used to decrease
rejection. - Corticosteroids are used to suppress
inflammation. - Cytotoxic drugs, radiation (X ray) therapy,
antilymphocyte globulins and immunosuppressant
drugs (e.g., cyclosporine) are used to reduce
rejection. - Supression of the immune system make the person
more vulnerable to bacterial and viral infection.
57Disorders Immunodeficiencies
- Severe combined immunodeficiency syndromes (SCID)
are genetic deficiencies of immune system. - One such disorder involves the adenosine
deaminase (ADA) enzyme that clears T cells of
lethal metabolites. (See Discover article for
assignment 2.)
58Disorders Immunodeficiencies
- Acquired immunodeficiencies are the result of
insults to the immune system. Acquired
immunodeficiencies may result from cancer,
anticancer drugs or viral infection. - Hodgkins disease supresses the immune system by
damaging lymph nodes. - Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is
caused by HIV virus transmitted in blood, semen,
and vaginal secretions. - AIDS changes ratio of helper (TH) to suppressor T
cells by decreasing the number of TH cells. - This allows opportunistic infections to
proliferate.
59Autoimmune Disorders
- Autoimmune disorders occur when the body fails to
recognize its own antigens. - In multiple sclerosis antibodies destroy myelin
sheaths within the CNS resulting in visual
impairment, difficulty with motor function, and
other nerve-related problems. - In myasthenia gravis antibodies destroy ACh
receptors of skeletal muscle resulting in
weakness, loss of somatic motor control and
eventually respiratory failure. - In type I diabetes mellitus antibodies destroy
beta cells in pancreas, resulting in a failure to
produce insulin.
60Autoimmune Disorders
- In Graves disease abnormal antibodies resembling
TSH stimulate the thyroid to produce too much
thyroxine. - In systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE) antibodies
against DNA cause a systemic disease affecting
the heart, kidneys, lungs, and skin. - Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) destroys joints.
61Hypersensitivity Disorders Allergies
- The two major kinds of allergies are immediate
and delayed. - Immediate allergies are also called acute or type
I and begin within seconds of subsequent contact
with antigen. - Delayed allergies are also called type IV
allergies and take hours to days to show a
response.
62Immediate Hypersenstivities
- Occur in a person after initial exposure. The
response to 1st exposure normally not seen. - The most common type of acute hypersensitivity is
anaphylaxis. - Anaphylaxis is mediated by interleukin 4 (IL-4),
which stimulates B cells to mature into
IgE-secreting plasma cells. - IgE stimulates release of histamine from
basophils and mast cells leading to inflammation
(see inflammatory response). - Anaphyalxis may be local or systemic.
Fig. 22.19, p. 826
63Anaphylaxis (cont)
- Local anaphylaxis includes hives in the skin,
asthma in the airways, hay fever in the nasal
cavity and GI reactions to certain foods. - Antihistamines are usually effective in
minimizing symptoms which normally include runny
nose, watery eyes, itchy skin.
64Anaphylaxis (cont)
- Systemic anaphylaxis is caused by introduction of
an allergen into the blood (e.g., venom in bee
sting or penicillin injection). - Systemic anaphylaxis causes widespread release of
histamine leading to widespread vasodilation. - widespread vasodilation leads to widespread loss
of fluid to tissues - widespread loss of fluid causes a radical drop in
BP leading to anaphylactic shock. - Systemic responses also include
bronchoconstriction. - Systemic anaphylaxis is treated with epinephrine.
- Think About ItWhat does epinephrine do?
65Delayed Hypersensitivity (Type IV) Reactions
- Delayed hypersensitivity reacations are
cell-mediated responseS. - These reactions involve cytotoxic and delayed
hypersensitivity T cells. - Most familiar are contact dermatitis, responses
to some heavy metals, cosmetics and deodorants. - Effects appear hours or even days after exposure.