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HELPFUL LINKS
The ELISPOT process
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Alzheimer's disease research
A glossary of immune system cells
Some immunology stuff in Chinese
Another intro
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This page contains descriptions of some immunological processes and key terms. It's a way to provide some vital background, but it's also a way to help organize my thoughts -- concretizing them in my own mind. Sometimes the best way to master a subject is to teach it, y'know?
I think the best way to start off is with a glossary of terms.
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Antigen
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A substance which provokes an immune system response.
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Antigen-presenting cells (APCs)
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These are cells which do not manifest any antigen-specific receptors. Their main function is to capture, process and present antigens to T cell receptors. The most important APCs are the macrophages -- long-lived phagocytes, strategically located in different tissues where they are likely to encounter the antigens. Apart from presenting the antigens to T cells, they also act as effector cells in cell-mediated immunity.
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B cells
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Lymphoid cells which produce antibodies. Once a foreign antigen is recognized by a B cell, the cell multiples and transforms into a plasma cell -- an antibody factory.
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CD4
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A T cell surface marker which recognizes MHC class II molecules on antigen presenting cells. It exists primarily on helper T cells.
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CD4 helper T cell
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A cell which provides vital help to other immune system cells. It helps activate the immune system by giving off chemical signals which set antibody-producing B cells and other components of the immune system into motion. We can think of these helper cells as the conductors of the immune system orchestra.
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CD8
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A T cell marker which recognizes MHC class I molecules on target cells. It exists primarily on cytotoxic (or "killer") T cells.
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CD8 T cell
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A type of cell which can have several different functions in the immune system. For example, CD8 cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CD8 CTLs) are the so-called "killer" T-cells that destroy infected cells in the body. Other CD8 cells can release chemicals which deter infectious agents from replicating.
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Cellular immunity
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The primary immune response involving T-cells -- particularly killer T-cells (aka cytotoxic T-lymphocytes)
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Cytokines
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Soluble polypeptides (hormones) which regulate the immune response by mediating cellular interactions and regulating cell growth and function. Cytokine production can be gauged using cytokine ELISPOT assays.
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ELISPOT
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Enzyme-linked Immunospot assay. An exceptionally sensitive way to enumerate cytokine-producing cells in a cell suspension.
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Epitope
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The section on the surface of the antigen which stimulates an immune response. This response is directed against the epitope in question.
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Histocompatibility
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The ability of cells to get along (i.e. to be compatible).
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Humoral immunity
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Immunity mediated by soluble factors in body fluids, especially antibodies. "Humor," in this context, refers to these fluids.
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Major histocompatibility complex (MHC)
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These are gene clusters which are present on the surface of a cell, and which identify that cell as being either "native" or "foreign.". They help the organism distinguish invading cells from its own body cells. MHC differences can cause a host organism to reject and attack an organ graft. MHC molecules also bind foreign antigens and present them to the immune system. In humans, MHCs are also known as HLA (human leukocyte antigen) molecules.
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T cells
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Lymphocytes which undergoes the early part of their development in the thymus. ("T" stands for "thymus.")
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