An introduction to B and T lymphocytes, how they develop and how they carry out their function. Appropriate for high school or first year college.
What is clonal selection in relation to the immune system and lymphocytes? What is the significance of clonal selection?
How do pathogens evade the immune system?
A review of the mechanisms employed by pathogens to escape the immune system, through either passive (evasion) or active (modulation) means
What is antigenic variation and why is it significant?
A look at how various pathogens emply antigenic variation to evade the adaptive immune response, including specific examples (such as the 'flu).
What is antigenic mimicry, and how does it allow pathogens to survive in the host?
A review of how various pathogens express antigens that mimic host antigens as a means of escaping the adaptive immune response. Includes specific examples and the implications for host immunology.
How does the bacterial capsule protect some bacteria from the immune system?
A description of the bacterial capsule and how it provides a survival advantage to some pathogens.
How do some pathogens survive in the host by colonising immunologically safe zones?
Describes how some pathogens evade the immune system by avoiding it as much as possible in areas of the host not subject to strong immunological screening. Includes an example.
How does living in phagocytes allow some pathogens to escape the immune system?
Describes the various mechanisms employed by pathogens to escape destruction by phagocytes, citing examples.
How do some pathogens block the complement system from working?
Reviews the various mechanisms employed by pathogens to block the function of the complement system.
How do some pathogens block the function of cytokines?
Looks at the various ways in which pathogens can block the function of cytokines. Includes several specific examples.
