Immunology & Serology Review for BOC
Prep Exam Questions And Correct
Answers.
Characteristics of Immunogens (Antigens) that affect Immunogenicity - Answer 1. Large molecule (at
least 10 KDa)
2. High complexity (simple repeating units don't make good immunogens)
3. Chemical composition (proteins and polysachs. are better than carbs, lipids & nucleic acids)
4. Foreignness (the more different from host, the more immunogenic)
Differentiate Active from Passive Immunity - Answer *Active:* Individual produces antibody. Follows
immunization or infection. Lasting.
*Passive:* Antibody transferred to individual. No memory, temporary.
What type of immunity is associated with rubella immunization? - Answer Active immunity
What type of immunity is associated with neonatal (<4 months), syphilitic IgG antibody titers? - Answer
Passive immunity
Differentiate Natural from Adaptive Immunity - Answer *Natural:* Innate, non-specific, no memory
(e.g. skin, phagocytosis, natural killer cells, stomach acid)
*Adaptive:* Acquired, specific, memory (T cells - cytokines & B cells - antibodies)
Differentiate between the adaptive immunities: Cellular and Humoral - Answer *Cellular:* T
cells/Lymphokines, primary defense against viral/fungal infections; delayed hypersensitivity.
*Humoral:* B cells (plasma cell)/Antibody, primary defense against bacterial infections, antibody
dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC).
Characteristics of IgG - Answer 1. greatest concentration in serum
, 2. 4 subclasses
3. activates complement
4. crosses placenta
5. 75% of total antibody concentration
Characteristics of IgM - Answer 1. largest antibody in body
2. fixes complement best
3. prominent in early immune response (indicated acute infection)
4. 5-10% of antibody concentration
Characteristics of IgA - Answer 1. predominant Ab in secretions (tears, saliva)
2. 2 subclasses: Serum IgA (monomer) & secretory IgA (dimer)
3. primary defense against some local infections at mucosal surface
Characteristics of IgD - Answer 1. unknown function
2. present on B cell surface
Characteristics of IgE - Answer 1. allergy
2. triggers release of histamine from mast cells
To remember Antibody Functions:
GMADE - Answer G: Greatest concentration, Goes across placenta
M: Mega (largest), activates complement
A: sAliva, teArs
D: Don't know function
E: allergEE (allergy)
Be familiar with the Immune Response Curve (graph) - Answer IgM is greatest in 1st exposure
(sensitizing dose)
Prep Exam Questions And Correct
Answers.
Characteristics of Immunogens (Antigens) that affect Immunogenicity - Answer 1. Large molecule (at
least 10 KDa)
2. High complexity (simple repeating units don't make good immunogens)
3. Chemical composition (proteins and polysachs. are better than carbs, lipids & nucleic acids)
4. Foreignness (the more different from host, the more immunogenic)
Differentiate Active from Passive Immunity - Answer *Active:* Individual produces antibody. Follows
immunization or infection. Lasting.
*Passive:* Antibody transferred to individual. No memory, temporary.
What type of immunity is associated with rubella immunization? - Answer Active immunity
What type of immunity is associated with neonatal (<4 months), syphilitic IgG antibody titers? - Answer
Passive immunity
Differentiate Natural from Adaptive Immunity - Answer *Natural:* Innate, non-specific, no memory
(e.g. skin, phagocytosis, natural killer cells, stomach acid)
*Adaptive:* Acquired, specific, memory (T cells - cytokines & B cells - antibodies)
Differentiate between the adaptive immunities: Cellular and Humoral - Answer *Cellular:* T
cells/Lymphokines, primary defense against viral/fungal infections; delayed hypersensitivity.
*Humoral:* B cells (plasma cell)/Antibody, primary defense against bacterial infections, antibody
dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC).
Characteristics of IgG - Answer 1. greatest concentration in serum
, 2. 4 subclasses
3. activates complement
4. crosses placenta
5. 75% of total antibody concentration
Characteristics of IgM - Answer 1. largest antibody in body
2. fixes complement best
3. prominent in early immune response (indicated acute infection)
4. 5-10% of antibody concentration
Characteristics of IgA - Answer 1. predominant Ab in secretions (tears, saliva)
2. 2 subclasses: Serum IgA (monomer) & secretory IgA (dimer)
3. primary defense against some local infections at mucosal surface
Characteristics of IgD - Answer 1. unknown function
2. present on B cell surface
Characteristics of IgE - Answer 1. allergy
2. triggers release of histamine from mast cells
To remember Antibody Functions:
GMADE - Answer G: Greatest concentration, Goes across placenta
M: Mega (largest), activates complement
A: sAliva, teArs
D: Don't know function
E: allergEE (allergy)
Be familiar with the Immune Response Curve (graph) - Answer IgM is greatest in 1st exposure
(sensitizing dose)
