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KEY CONCEPTS
Cells of the immune system are derived from the pluripotent stem cell. Hematopoiesis is closely regulated to maintain adequate numbers of different cell types. The development of these different cells or cell lineages depends on cell-to-cell interactions and hematopoietic growth factors.
Upon activation, dendritic cells (DCs) express higher concentrations of major histocompatibility complex class II molecules, B7-1, B7-2, CD40, ICAM-1, and LFA-3 molecules than other antigen-presenting cells (APCs). They also produce more IL-12. These differences may explain why DCs are the most efficient APC.
A T-lymphocyte expresses hundreds of T-cell receptors (TCRs). All the TCRs expressed on the surface of an individual T-lymphocyte have the same antigen specificity.
An immature B-lymphocyte expresses thousands of membrane-bound surface immunoglobulin (sIg) as IgM (monomeric) or IgD, all with the same specificity (ie, antigen-binding site). Upon antigen stimulation and T-cell help, the immature B-lymphocyte matures (proliferates, class-switches and becomes a plasma cell) to secrete different isotypes (eg, IgM [pentamer], IgA, immunoglobulin G [IgG], and IgE) with the same specificity as the original membrane-bound sIg.
Serum protein electrophoresis determines the total concentration of all circulating proteins, including the immunoglobulins (ie, IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, and IgE). The concentration of the individual isotypes can be determined with isotype-specific quantification methods. Most clinical laboratories measure only IgG, IgM, and IgA because they are the most prevalent isotypes in the bloodstream. In patients with allergic disorders, measurement of IgE is rarely useful.
An understanding of the mechanism of action of immunomodulators allows a clinician to anticipate potential adverse drug reactions. The benefit of manipulating immune responses must be balanced with the potential consequences and long-term sequela (eg, tumor growth, infections, autoimmune reactions) of such manipulation.
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BEYOND THE BOOK
Watch the following video to learn more about the different ways clinicians use the immune system to treat cancer. IMMUNOTHERAPY: The Path to a Cancer Cure (For Clinicians), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbFjiWOBErA. As you read the chapter, note which strategies for modulating the immune response for therapeutic purposes were discussed in the video.
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The immune system is a complex network of barriers, organs, cellular elements, and molecules that interact to defend the body against invading pathogens. The immune system is actually composed of two distinct systems of immunity: innate immunity and adaptive immunity. Innate immunity includes a series of nonspecific barriers (physical and chemical), along with cellular and molecular elements strategically deployed and positioned to prevent or quickly neutralize infection. Adaptive immunity works in concert with the innate immune system. In contrast to innate immunity, adaptive immunity constantly evolves and adapts to invading pathogens. The hallmarks of the adaptive immune response are diversity, memory, mobility, self-versus-nonself discrimination, redundancy, replication, and specificity.1 Diversity is the capability of the immune system to respond to many different pathogens or strains of pathogens. Immunological memory ensures ...