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Lymphatic System
Leucocytes: white blood cells. Some secrete substances which destroy pathogens, others engulf and digest. Lymphocytes: Approx 20-30% of all white blood cells (mainly T cells and B cells) Phagocytes: Cells which engulf & digest mirco-organisms / cell debris. Macrophages: develop from some leucocytes. More specific. lymph capillaries lymph vessels lymph nodes Lymph Nodes: neck, armpits, groin & around AC bean shaped (1 25mm) Acts as a filter containing masses of lymphoid tissue (lymphocytes, macrophages & plasma cells)

Role of Lymphatic System

Large particles (e.g. bacteria) trapped in fibre mesh and destroyed by macrophages via Phagocytosis Lymphocyte production increases and lymph nodes become swollen on infection Immune response

Lymphoid Organs
Tonsils: 3 sets in pharynx Spleen: filters blood (like lymph nodes) Thymus: immunity (behind sternum)

The Immune Response

Homeostatic mechanism (very specific) 2 Part immune response 1. Humoral response / antibody-mediated immunity Special proteins (antibodies) produced from B-Cells in Lymphoid Tissue 2. Cell mediated response Special lymphocytes produced from T-Cells in Lymphoid Tissue o B and T cells are lymphocytes formed in red bone marrow but mature in two diff. places B cells: bone marrow T cells: Thymus

Antigens:
Generally

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11 The Immune Response large molecules (proteins carbs, lipids or nucleic acids) Whole micro organisms (virus particle & bacteria) Part of a microorganism (cell wall, flagella) Toxins (from bacteria) Foreign material

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Antibodies:
Special Proteins (Immunoglobulins IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, IgM) made in response to a non-self antigen Combines to form an antigen-antibody complex Specific active site (only one specific antigen can combine with any antibody) Released into blood / lymph Combine and inactivate the antigen by inhibiting the reactions with other cells (foreign enzyme / bacterial toxin) Bind to surface, prevent from entering cells (viruses) Coats bacteria, more easily consumed by phagocytes Agglutination (antigens clump together) Dissolve antigen If antigen is soluble, reacts to become insoluble. (easier to be consumed)

Antibodies can:

Antibody mediated Immunity (B Cells)

1. 2. 3. 4. Thousands of diff types of B Cells When activated (sensitised) by an antigen, B Cells enlarge and divide clones Most clones: plasma cells which secrete a specific antibody Some become memory cells and spread out to all body tissues Allows faster response in future.

Cell mediated Immunity (T Cells)

1. 2. 3. 4. Thousands of diff types of T Cells When activated (sensitised) by an antigen, T Cells enlarge and divide clones Most clones: specialised T Cells Some become memory cells and spread out to all body tissues Allows faster response in future. Attach to antigen and destroy it

Killer T Cells Helper T Cells

Secretes a substance that sensitises more lymphocytes Secretes a substance that attracts more macrophages Secretes a substance that enhances macrophage activity

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Suppressor T Cells
Release substances that inhibit T and B cell activity, slowing down immune response (when immune response is finished)

Types of Immunity
Immunity: resistance to infection by invading micro organisms Immunisation: process of acquiring immunity (Natural or artificial) Passive Immunity: Individual given antibodies produced elsewhere. Natural (from mother) or artificial (injection) Short lived but fast response Active Immunity: Individual exposed to foreign antigen the manufactures antibodies in defence Natural (actually infected) or artificial (injection) Long lasting

Vaccines
Vaccination: Artificial Active Immunity. (Antigen introduced individual produces antibody doesnt suffer symptoms) 4 Main vaccine types: 1. Micro-organisms/Viruses of reduced virulence (attenuated): Decreased ability to produce disease symptoms (often using recombinant DNA) e.g. polio, TB, rubella, measles, mumps, yellow fever, flu (nasal spray) 2. Dead/Inactivated micro organisms / viruses: not as prolonged e.g. cholera, typhoid, whooping cough, flu (shot) 3. Toxoids: Inactivated toxins from bacteria e.g. diphtheria, tetanus 4. Sub-unit Vaccine: fragment of organism e.g. Hep B Delivery: syringe, ingested, nasal spray, skin patches, Allergic reaction Possible cross-species disease introduction (while immunising an individual it is possible that the vaccine also contains strains on another infectious disease as a result of the cultural medium it was developed in) Preservatives? How was vaccine manufactured, tested and risks associated? Manufacturing: animal host tissue (chicken embryos - influenza, mice brains encephalitis) human host tissue (aborted foetus rubella) Testing: May be tested in developing countries (exploited)

Risks:

Ethical Concerns:

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11 The Immune Response Animal testing on: mice (other mammals), fish, amphibians, birds

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