Humoral Immune Response

Terry Kotrla, MS, MT(ASCP)BB Fall 2006

Humoral Immunity
 

Results in production of proteins called immunoglobulins or antibodies. Body exposed to foreign material termed antigen which may be harmful to body: virus, bacteria, etc. Antigen has bypassed other protective mechanisms, ie, first and second line of defense.

Dynamics of Antibody Production



Primary immune response

 

 

Latent period Gradual rise in antibody production taking days to weeks Plateau reached Antibody level declines

Dynamics of Antibody Production



Antibody production
    

Initial antibody produced in IgM Lasts 10-12 days Followed by production of IgG Lasts 4-5 days Without continued antigenic challenge antibody levels drop off, although IgG may continue to be produced.

Secondary Response
   

Second exposure to SAME antigen. Memory cells are a beautiful thing. Recognition of antigen is immediate. Results in immediate production of protective antibody, mainly IgG but may see some IgM

Humoral Immune Response

Dynamics of Antibody Production

Cellular Events


  

Antigen is processed by T lymphocytes and macrophages. Possess special receptors on surface. Termed antigen presenter cell APC. Antigen presented to B cell

Basic Antibody Structure



Two identical heavy chains

    

Gamma Delta Alpha Mu Epsilon

Basic Antibody Structure



Two identical light chains

 

Kappa OR Lambda

Basic Antibody Structure

Basic Structure of Immunoglobulins

Papain Cleavage
 

Breaks disulfide bonds at hinge region Results in 2 fragment antigen binding (Fab) fragments. Contains variable region of antibody molecule Variable region is part of antibody molecule which binds to antigen.

Papain Cleavage

Pepsin
   

Breaks antibody above disulfide bond. Two F(ab)2 molecules The rest fragments Has the ability to bind with antigen and cause agglutination or precipitation

Papain and Pepsin Cleavage

IgG
   

Most abundant Single structural unit Gamma heavy chains Found intravascularly AND extravascularly Coats organisms to enhance phagocytosis (opsonization)

IgG


Crosses placenta provides baby with immunity for first few weeks of infants life. Capable of binding complement which will result in cell lysis FOUR subclasses IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4

IgG

IgA
   

Alpha heavy chains Found in secretions Produced by lymphoid tissue Important role in respiratory, urinary and bowel infections. 15-10% of Ig pool

Secretory IgA


Exists as TWO basic structural units, a DIMER Produced by cells lining the mucous membranes.

Secretory IgA

IgA
  

Does NOT cross the placenta. Does NOT bind complement. Present in LARGE quantities in breast milk which transfers across gut of infant.

IgM
      

Mu heavy chains Largest of all Ig PENTAMER 10% of Ig pool Due to large size restricted to intravascular space. FIXES COMPLEMENT. Does NOT cross placenta. Of greatest importance in primary immune response.

IgM

IgE
       

Epsilon heavy chains Trace plasma protein Single structural unit Fc region binds strongly to mast cells. Mediates release of histamines and heparin>allergic reactions Increased in allergies and parasitic infections. Does NOT fix complement Does NOT cross the placenta

IgE

IgD
    

 

Delta heavy chains. Single structural unit. Accounts for less than 1% of Ig pool. Primarily a cell bound Ig found on the surface of B lymphocytes. Despite studies extending for more than 4 decades, a specific role for serum IgD has not been defined while for IgD bound to the membrane of many B lymphocytes, several functions have been proposed. Does NOT cross the placenta. Does NOT fix complement.

Cellular Immune Response



Important in defending against: fungi, parasites, bacteria. Responsible for hypersensitivity, transplant rejection, tumor surveillance. Thymus derived (T) lymphocytes

Cell Mediated Reaction



Helper T cells turn on immune response Suppressor T cells turn off immune response Cytotoxic T cells directly attack antigen

Cell Mediated Immunity

Lymphokines

Summary


http://www.biology.arizona.edu/immunology/tutorials/immunology/page2.html




http://www.jdaross.cwc.net/humoral_immunity.htm
http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/biology/bio4fv/page/aviruses/cellular-immune.html

http://www.uic.edu/classes/bios/bios100/lecturesf04am/lect23.htm