Transcript Immune System

Immune System
The body’s prime defense against disease – causing
pathogens or cancer
These have molecules on them that trigger a response of the
immune system called ANTIGENS
Immune Response
The immune system is the body's defense
against infectious organisms and other
invaders.
Through a series of steps the immune
system attacks organisms and substances
that invade body systems and cause
disease.
Antigen
A substance which stimulates the
production of antibodies by the immune
system which will attack and destroy the
foreign pathogen
Antibodies
Type of protein
Produced in response to a detected
antigen
Each antibody is unique and fights of
specific antigens
Lymphatic System
Contains immune cells
to protect against
foreign invaders
Contains nodes which
filter infection
Transplants
Sometimes the immune system attacks
transplanted organs  “rejection”
Immunosuppresent drugs can be taken to
decrease the activity of the immune
system

Leaves the patient vulnerable to infection
Allergies
Allergic reactions  response to normally
harmless substances ex: dust, pollen, cats
 release of histamines
sneezing, hives, swelling,
breathing difficulties
** can take an anti-histamine to relieve symptoms
Immunity
Active


Infection (production of antibodies which
recognize a specific antigen)
Immunization (vaccine)
Passive


Material transmission of resistance
Antibody transfer
Make a Vaccine
Obtain pathogen (polio, small pox, measles,
mumps, rubella, tetanus, chicken pox,
HPV)
Treat to kill or weaken
Inject into organism
Body makes antibodies and WBC’s to
attack
Some WBC remain and remember
AIDS
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Disease of the Immune System – caused by
a virus = HIV (Human Immunodeficiency
virus)
-- damages immune system by killing helper
T-cells
--Inactive for years
--When activated if leaves patient unable to
fight infections or cancer
Transmission of AIDS:
1. Sexual contact (body fluids)
2. Blood to blood (transfusions, IV drugs)
3. Mother to baby
Over 2 Million people infected!
Prevention of AIDS:
1. Abstinence
2. Condoms
3. No drugs