Question 1
Explain the roles and interactions of each of the following in immunity: B lymphocytes, antibodies, immunoglobulins, T lymphocytes, MHC, HLA.Question 2
Explain each of these terms: antibiotic, antibody, antigen, antihistamine, antiviral drug.Answer 1
The immune system consists of two main classes of cells: B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes. The effector B lymphocytes, plasma cells, are specialized for producing large amounts of a protein known as an antibody. Antibodies bind to specific antigens, leading to the destruction of the antigens and pathogens bearing the antigens. Immunoglobulins are just antibodies, categorized according to specific details of their structure and function. T lymphocytes are specialized for destroying cells that bear antigen within a self molecule known as MHC. MHC stands for major histocompatibility complex, which is a group of cell surface proteins essential for triggering the immune response. HLA stands for human leukocyte antigen, and is just an alternative name for MHC.Answer 2
An antibiotic is a drug that kills bacteria. Antibodies are proteins produced by lymphocytes that help lead to destruction of invading pathogens. Antigens are molecules that stimulate an immune response. Antihistamines are drugs that block secretion of histamine from immune cells. Antiretroviral and antiviral drugs are drugs that destroy specific kinds of viruses.