Immunology Activity Using the following components of the immune system, decide

Question

Immunology Activity

Using the following components of the immune system, decide which component will act first, second, third, fourth, fifth etc. . . to combat the following pathogens.

Components:

Skin, Mucous membranes, Mucus, Sebum, Gastric juices, T helper cells,

Cytotoxic T cells, B cells, Antibodies, Cytokines, Interferons, NK cells, Macrophages,Dendritic cells

Basophils, Neutrophils, Eosinophils, Complement, Lacrimal apparatus.

Scenarios:

1. Staph aureus infection of the follicle on skin. S. aureus can produce toxins and tissue destruction as it invades the tissues.

2. E. coli found inside a poorly cooked hamburger patty. Remember, E. coli has the capability to produce toxins and is Gram-negative therefore has endotoxin present as well.

3. Mycobacterium tuberculosis breathed in after being exposed to a patient with active disease. M. tuberculosis can live inside phagocytic cells as its cell wall is resistant to digestion.

4. Influenza virus infection from sharing a glass of water with a sick friend. This virus causes inflammation of the upper respiratory tract leading to further complications.

5. Herpes Simplex Type 2, causes ulcerous lesions, contracted through skin to skin contact with a person with an active lesion. This virus goes into latency in the patient.

6. Cat dander exposure to someone who is intensely allergic to cats.

Explanation / Answer

The order of activation of various lines of body defence depends upon the nature of antigen/allergen attacking the body. Whereas superfiical allergans/antigens tend to activate the first line of body defence such as skin/mucous membrane etc first, the internal antigens tend to activate the cell-mediated or humoral immune response first. Thus, the order of activations for various infections can be found as below:

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