Chapter 1 - The Immune System
Author(s): A Davies1 & D Scott2
Affiliation(s): (1) Southampton Experimental Cancer Medicines Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK; (2) University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK.
Innate and adaptive immunity - Figure 1
Source: Dranoff G. Nat Rev Cancer 2004;4:11-22
The immune system comprises two arms functioning cooperatively to provide a comprehensive protective response: the innate and the adaptive immune system. (Fig 1.1)
The innate immune system is primitive, does not require the presentation of an antigen (Ag) and does not lead to immunological memory.
Its effector cells are neutrophils, macrophages and mast cells, reacting within minutes to hours with the help of complement activation and cytokines (CKs).
B and T lymphocytes - Figure 2
Figure abbreviations: MHC, major histocompatibility complex.
Source: Kaiser Gary, Professor at the Community College of Baltimore County
The adaptive immune response is provided by the lymphocytes, which precisely recognise unique Ags through cell-surface receptors. (Fig 1.2)
Receptors are produced in billions of variations through cut and splicing of genes and subsequent negative selection: thus, self-recognising lymphocytes are eradicated.
Immunological memory after an Ag encounter permits a faster and heightened state of response on a subsequent exposure.
Primary and secondary lymphoid tissues - Figure 3
Lymphocytes develop in primary lymphoid tissue (bone marrow [BM], thymus) and circulate towards secondary lymphoid tissue (lymph nodes [LNs], spleen, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue [MALT]). (Fig 1.3)
The Ag reaches the LN carried by lymphocytes or dendritic cells. Lymphocytes enter the LN from blood transiting through specialised endothelial cells.
The Ag is processed within the LN by lymphocytes, macrophages and other immune cells in order to mount a specific immune response.
Revision Questions
- What are the effector cells of the innate immune system?
- Which cells are responsible for immune memory?
- In which anatomical structure are the antigens processed by lymphocytes?
