Introduction to Immunology

Dr. Linroy Christian

Introduction
Host defence can be in the form of physical barriers or via the immune system The immune system is designed to protect the body from threats External threats include pathogens and toxins Internal threats such as malignant cells

Externals Defences
Forms part of your innate immunity Physical barriers include:
Skin Respiratory tract GI tract Vagina Other mucosal surfaces

Normal flora as part of your innate immunity

Internal Defence
Can be divided into specific and nonspecific host defence The specific or adaptive system involves the use of antibodies and cells carrying antigen-specific receptors The non-specific (innate) system involves the use of circulating cells and proteins that attack foreign material (antigens)

Organs of the Immune System

Several organs are involved in the production and housing of immune cells Primary Lymphoid Organs
Bone marrow Thymus

Secondary Lymphoid Organs

Spleen Lymph nodes

Cells of the Immune System

Leukocytes or white blood cells defend against foreign material and malignant cells Circulate throughout the body via the blood and the lymphatic system Can be divided into granulocytes (possess granules) and agranulocytes (lack granules)

Granulocytes
Neutrophil (Polymorphonuclear neutrophil)
Most numerous (approx. 60-70%) Involved in immune response to bacterial and fungal infection Usually the first immune cells a pathogen encounters Primary function phagocytosis

Neutrophil

Granulocytes
Eosinophil
Approximately 1-5% of leucocytes Primarily involved in parasitic infections and allergic response and asthma Contain histamine, and enzymes such as RNase, DNase, peroxidases and lipases These compounds are released when the eosinophil is activated

Eosinopil

Granulocytes
Basophil
Less than 1% of cells Contain histamine Involved in allergic responses Play a role in the inflammatory response

Basophil

Agranulocytes
Lymphocytes
Approximately 20% of cells More common in the lymphatic system Comprised of T lymphocytes (T cells), B lymphocytes (B cells) and Natural Killer Cells (NK cells)

Agranulocytes
B Cells
Make antibodies Activated B cells form:
Plasma cells Memory cells

Agranulocytes
T cells Can be divided into:
Helper T cells secrete proteins that regulate the immune response (stimulate B cells) Cytotoxic T cells kill cells infected by viruses and tumor cells

Agranulocytes
NK cells Release enzymes that:
Kill cells infected with viruses Kill tumor cells

Lymphocyte

Agranulocytes
Monocyte
Approximately 6% of cells Phagocytic Live longer than neutrophils Circulate freely

Monocyte

Agranulocyte
Macrophage
A monocyte that has migrated to tissue, generally the spleen and undergo differentiation Phagocytic Antigen presenting cell

Macrophage

Origin of Blood Cells