BIOCHEMISTRY OF ADAPTIVE

IMMUNITY
! 1. ADAPTIVE IMMUNE
SYSTEM
! 2. IMMUNOGLOBULINS
! 3. PARAPROTEINEMIAS
Lymphocytes
! Lymphocytes may be:

" T-lymphocytes
" B-lymphocytes
T-lymphocytes - maturation
! T Cells: are produced in the thymus. There,
they learn how to distinguish self from non-
self.
! Only the T- cells that ignore self antigen
molecules are allowed to mature and leave
the thymus.
! Without this training process, T- cells could
attack the body's cells and tissues.
T-lymphocytes – localization
! Mature T - cells are stored in secondary
lymphoid organs (lymph nodes, spleen,
tonsils, appendix, and Peyer's patches in the
small intestine).
! T- cells circulate in the bloodstream and the
lymphatic system.
 Clinical aspects
! Sometimes T cells—for
reasons that are not
completely
understood—do not
distinguish self from
non-self antigen.
! This malfunction can
result in an
autoimmune disorder,
in which the body
attacks its own.
B-cells
! B Cells are formed in
the bone marrow.
! Localization: bone
marrow, liver, blood,
lymphoid organs.
! B cells have specific
receptors on their
surface for antigens, for
immunoglobulin, for
regulatory cytokines.
Synthesis of
immunoglobulins
! Under the action of
specific antigen,
cytokines (T-cells),
surface-binding Ag-Ab
complexes, B-cells
undergo maturation into
plasma cells.
! Plasma cells secret
specific antibodies to
this specific antigen
Immunoglobulins (antibodies)

! Immunoglobulins
are synthesized by
the plasma cells.
General structure of Igs
(EDELMAN-GALLY MODEL)
Functions of different regions of Igs
! Variable regions (N-terminal end of light and
heavy chain): Recognize and bind specific
antigen
Paper electrophoresis of
immunoglobulins
! 5 BANDS:
! IgA
! IgE
! IgD
! IgM
! IgG
 Binds
Placental Binds mast Activates Additional
Isotype Structure phagocytic
transfer cell surfaces complement features
cell surfaces

First Ab in
development
IgM - - - +
and
response.
B-cell
IgD - - - -
receptor.

Involved in
opsonization
IgG + - + +
Four
subclasses;
IgG1, IgG2,
IgG3, IgG4.
Involved in
IgE - + - - allergic
responses.
Two
subclasses;
IgA1, IgA2.
IgA - - - - Also found
as dimer
(sIgA) in
secretions.
Mechanisms of immunoglobulins
action:
! 1. Neutralization
! 2. Opsonization
! 3. Agglutination
! 4. Inflammatory response
(IgE)
Neutralization
 Toxin receptors

Host
Bacterial toxins cell

Neutralization by antibo

Phagocytosis of
antibody-antigen
complex by
macrophage
Forming phagosomeFc
receptor
Extracellular
bacteria Opsonization

Macrophage

Ingestion by macrophage

Digestion in lysosom