biology

adhesins

molecules that facilitate adhesion for bacteria

aggulutination

a process that binds antigens on a pathogen to other antigens on pathogens resulting in pathogens clumping together. this makes it easier to destroy.

antibodies

a small protein that binds to a specific antigen. antibodies are made by plasma cells and help the immune system fight pathogen in various ways.

antigen presenting cell (APC)

a cell with in an antigen bound to a MHC protein on its surface. APC’s interact with T cells to trigger an immune response

antigens

A small piece of biological material (protein, carbohydrate, lipid, or nucleic acid) that can be recognized by the immune system. Antigens from pathogens or abnormal cells trigger an immune response.

B-cells

An adaptive immune cell that helps target and destroy specific pathogens. After being activated by T cells, B cells differentiate into plasma cells to produce antibodies.

Bone marrow

located in the centre of bones. Red bleed sells, white blood cells, and platelets are produced in the bone marrow. White blood cells are inveived with the neutralisation of pathogens

Cell-mediated immune response

The processes of the adaptive immune response that play a major role in destroying infected cells through cytotoxic T cells.

Complementary

combining in a way to enhance or emphasize - fit together

Cytokines

Small proteins released by cells to communicate with other cells. Some cytokines alert immune cells to an infection or activate certain immune cells.

Cytotoxic cells

Recognise and kill infected cells. Example is Natural killer cells

Cytotoxic T-Cells

A type of T cell that kills infected cells by making them undergo apoptosis/lysis.

Fimbriae or pili

short hair-like structures on the cell surface of prokaryotic cells

Histamine

A small molecule released by mast cells to trigger inflammation. Histamine makes blood vessels "leaky," which allows immune cells and fluid to move from the blood vessels into body tissues.

Humoral immune response

The processes of the adaptive immune response that involve antibodies (also known as the antibody-mediated response). These processes make and use antibodies to fight specific pathogens. They include B cell activation and differentiation into plasma cells, which produce antibodies.

Infectious disease

disease transmitted through pathogens

Inflammation

A process in the innate immune response that helps the body fight pathogens and repair tissue damage. Inflammation is triggered by injury or infection and can result in redness, pain, and swelling.

Inflammatory cells

Release chemical messengers that recruit phagocytes, antibody-secreting cells, and cytotoxic cells to infected area. Examples are Mast cells

Lymphatic system

consists of a network of small vessels that carry a fluid called lymph. Lymph consists of white blood cells called lymphocytes (B- lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes)

Lymphocyte

A type of immune cell. Includes T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells.

Lysis

A method in which the outer boundary or cell membrane is broken down or destroyed in order to release inter-cellular materials such as DNA, RNA, protein or organelles from a cell.

Macrophages

An innate immune cell that plays many roles. Macrophages are phagocytes that engult and destroy pathogens and abnormal cells. They can also release chemical signals (cytokines) to attract other immune cells.

Mast cell

An innate immune cell that plays a major role in inflammation. Releases chemical signals (histamine) that help fluid and immune cells move from the blood vessels into tissues.

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC)

A protein that binds to antigens and "displays" them on the surface of a cell. Phagocytes use MHC proteins to "display" antigens from pathogens.

Memory B-cells

Long-lived B cells that are made the first time a pathogen infects the body. If the body is reinfected by the same type of pathogen, memory cells provide a faster, stronger adaptive immune response.

Memory T-cells

Cells that are made the first time a pathogen infects the body. If the body is reinfected by the same type of pathogen, memory cells provide a faster, stronger adaptive immune response.

Mucous

A sticky, slimy substance produced by certain cells. Protects tissues by trapping pathogens and contains antimicrobial enzymes and antibodies.

Mucous membranes

A thin tissue containing cells that make mucus. Mucous membranes line the digestive system (gut), respiratory system (airways), and urogenital tract.

Neutralisation

A process by which antibodies bind to a pathogen and block it from interacting with and infecting the body s cells

Neutrophils

An innate immune cell. Typically, the first cell type to respond to pathogens, particularly bacteria and fungi. Chemical signals (cytokines) can attract neutrophils and make them multiply.

Non-infectious disease

not transmitted between people

Non-specific (Innate) immune response

One of the two main ways in which the immune system responds to pathogens. Provides immediate protection but cannot target specific pathogens. Includes the physical barrier.

Pathogen

microorganism that causes disease: include bacteria, virus, protist, parasites, and fungi

Phagocytes

Recognise, ingest, and kill microbes by a process known as phagocytosis. Some examples are Neutrophils, Macrophages, and monocytes

Phagocytosis.

A process by which immune cells called phagocytes engulf and destroy pathogens and abnormal cells. Parts of the destroyed pathogens or cells may be absorbed by the phagocyte, released, or displayed on the phagocyte's MHC proteins.

Plasma cells

A type of adaptive immune cell that produces antibodies. Each plasma cell makes an antibody for a specific antigen and makes several thousand copies of this antibody per second.

Receptor

Proteins in and on the membranes of cells. Receptors bind to specific molecules, such as antigens, to send signals between or within cells.

Spikes

attachment molecules that protrude from a virus

Spleen

an oval-shaped organ situated on the left side of the upper abdomen. It is one of the locations where antibodies are produced. Antibodies are involved in the neutralisation of pathogens

T-cells

adaptive immune cell that helps the body respond to specific pathogens. Upon recognizing a specific antigen, T cells differentiate into helper T cells and cytotoxic T cells.

T-helper cells

A type of T cell that activates other immune cells, including B cells and cytotoxic I cells.

The Complement system

A group of proteins in the blood that help destroy pathogens and infected cells. They can damage pathogens directly or attract other immune cells to the site of an infection.

The specific (acquired) immune system

One of the two main ways in which the immune system responds to pathogens. Provides long-lasting protection against specific pathogens but may take longer to start.

Thymus

an organ located in front of the heart that is responsible for producing white blood cells called T-lymphocytes

Vaccine

A substance that triggers an immune response against a pathogen without causing an infection. If the immune system encounters the same type of pathogen later, it can destroy the pathogen more quickly and efficiently than it the individual had not had a vaccine.