Immunology is the study of the immune system & the immune

response.

Immunogen is any substance that is capable of

inducing an immune response, whether humoral or cellular, or both.

Antigen is a substance that is recognized

Properties of Immunogen:
1. Foreignness are genetically foreign to the host,
2. Chemical Composition most organic substances can be antigenic, except for pure lipids &
nucleic aids..
3. Molecular size molecules w/ molecular weights below 10,000 daltons
4. Chemical complexity
5. Genetic constitution of the host animal the ability to respond to a particular immunogen is
predetermined by the genetic constitution
6. Antigen dose & Method of administration the dose of the antigen introduced

Lines of Defense:
1. First line of Defense to prevent the entry
Mucous membranes
Keratin layer of the skin acts as a mechanical barrier that prevents the entry of
microorganisms.
Fatty acids in the skin
Normal flora of the diff. parts of the body
Enzymes found in tears & other secretions

2. Second line of Defense destroying the organisms or by limiting their growth.

Innate Arm of the Immune System the main factor involved here is the inflammatory
response.

3. Third line of Defense unsuccessful in destroying the invading microorganism.

Adaptive Arm of the Immune System this immune response involves the action of the B cells
& T cells

Immune System to defend the host against infection.

T Lymphocytes (T cells)
make up 60-80% of the circulating lymphocytes in the blood.

a. T helper cells (CD4+ T cells) promote inflammation & Ab production.

b. Cytotoxic T cells (Cytolytic T cells or CD8+ T cells)

recognize & kill virus-infected cells, tumor cells & foreign cells (e.g. tissue grafts).

Innate Immunity is also known as natural immunity.