lymphocyte T

Q: What are the two main elements highlighted in the immune system?

A: The two main elements highlighted in the immune system are cellular elements and humoral factors.

Q: Can you explain the roles of macrophages and NK cells in the innate immune response?

A: Macrophages and NK cells are involved in the innate immune response, with macrophages responsible for phagocytosis and NK cells for killing infected cells.

Q: What are T and B lymphocytes and what is their role in the adaptive immune response?

A: T and B lymphocytes are types of white blood cells involved in the adaptive immune response. They help in recognizing and attacking specific pathogens.

Q: What is the cytotoxic function of lymphocytes against pathogens and how is it regulated?

A: Lymphocytes exhibit cytotoxic functions by directly killing infected or abnormal cells. This function is regulated through cytokines.

Q: What is the role of regulatory T cells in the regulation of immune responses?

A: Regulatory T cells play a crucial role in suppressing excessive immune responses, preventing autoimmunity, and maintaining immune balance.

Q: What is the significance of positive and negative selection in the thymus during T cell development?

A: Positive selection in the thymus ensures that T cells can recognize self-MHC molecules, while negative selection eliminates T cells that recognize self-antigens too strongly, thereby preventing autoimmune reactions.

Q: What is immune tolerance and how does negative selection contribute to preventing autoimmunity?

A: Immune tolerance is the ability of the immune system to recognize self from non-self. Negative selection eliminates T cells that react strongly to self-antigens, thus preventing autoimmune diseases.

Q: What are some of the regulatory mechanisms involved in maintaining immune balance?

A: Regulatory mechanisms in immune responses include the modulation of cell activation pathways, regulation of cytokines, and control of cell death pathways to maintain immune balance.

Q: How do CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes contribute to recognizing and responding to antigens?

A: CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes play crucial roles in recognizing antigens. CD4 cells activate other immune cells, while CD8 cells directly kill infected cells.

Q: What is the role of transcription factors and cytokines in cellular activation during the immune response?

A: Transcription factors and cytokines are important in regulating gene expression and immune cell activation, leading to an effective immune response against pathogens.