(9) Cytokines, Immunological Memory and Types of Adaptive Immunity

Cytokines Chemical Messengers of the Immune Cells

Cells of the immune system communicate with each others by means of chemicals called cytokines. Cytokines are soluble protein or glycoproteins that are produced by practically all cells of the immune system in response to a stimulus. A cytokine acts only on a cell that has a receptor for it. Interleukins (IL) are cytokines that serve as communicators between leukocytes. According to the amino acid sequence Interleukins are assigned numbers such as IL 1, etc.. The role of cytokines in stimulating the immune system has suggested their use as therapeutic agents.?????? Interleukins (IL 12)

Cytokines Chemical Messengers of the Immune Cells

Chemokines cause leukocytes to migrate to an area of infection. Another family of cytokines is the interferons. Alpha interferon and IFN protect cells against viruses. Gamma interferon increases phagocytosis. Tumor necrosis factor promotes the inflammatory reaction. Hematopoietic cytokines, function in controlling the pathways by which stem cells develop into different red or white cells. Overproduction of cytokines leads to cytokines storm, which results in tissue damage.

Immunological Memory
T he relative amount of antibody in serum is called the antibody titer. After the initial contact with an antigen, the exposed persons serum contains no detectable antibodies for 4 to 7 days. Then there is a slow rise in antibody titer: first, IgM, followed by IgG peaking in about 10 to 17 days, after which antibody titer gradually declines. The response of the body to the first contact with an antigen is called the primary response.

Immunological Memory
Subsequent contact with the same antigen result in very high antibody titer and is called the secondary, anamnestic, or memory response. This response is comparatively more rapid, reaching a peak in only 2 to 7 days, lasts many days, and is considerably greater in magnitude. The antibodies are primarily IgG.

Immunological Memory

Types of Adaptive Immunity

Types of Adaptive Immunity

Immunity resulting from infection is called naturally acquired active immunity; this type of immunity may be long-lasting. Antibodies transported from mother to a fetus (transplacental transfer) or to a newborn in colostrums results in naturally acquired passive immunity in the newborn; this kind of immunity can last up to a few months.

Types of Adaptive Immunity

Immunity results from vaccination is called artificially acquired active immunity and can be long-lasting. Artificially acquired passive immunity referred to humoral antibodies acquired by injection; this type of immunity can lasts for a few weeks. Serum containing antibodies is often called antiserum.