Exam #3: Functional Properties of Antibodies
Correctly identify the anatomical sites that are preferentially protected by different antibody isotypes.
The different classes of antibody tend to protect different tissues of the body (although there is overlap in some cases).
The skin:
The heart:
The mucosal regions:
The Fetus:
Breastmilk to the baby:
The IgG of the fetus is the IgG of the mom.
*the mass cells and the receptor FCER
Describe the process for transporting IgG out of the bloodstream into
a tissue, or across the placenta into the circulation of
the
developing fetus. Understand the location and function of the
neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn).
IgG can be transported out of the bloodstream into tissues. Role of the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn).
In summary, FcRn mediates the transport of IgG antibodies across endothelial or epithelial barriers, such as those in tissues or the placenta, by binding to IgG in a pH-dependent manner, facilitating transcytosis, and preventing degradation, thereby maintaining antibody levels in various compartments and providing passive immunity to developing fetuses.<
Describe the activity of a “neutralizing antibody”.
Most are the bonds to viruses
Overall, neutralizing antibodies play a crucial role in the immune defense against pathogens by specifically targeting and neutralizing their infectivity, thus helping to prevent or limit the spread of infection and promote the clearance of the pathogen from the body. They are a key component of both natural immunity and vaccine-induced immunity against infectious diseases.
Explain the role of IgG and IgM in activation of the classic
complement cascade. How does the structure of pentameric
IgM
facilitate activation of C1?
Antibody-mediated activation of the classical complement cascade.
Regarding the structure of pentameric IgM facilitating activation of C1: The pentameric structure of IgM enhances complement activation through two main mechanisms:
Overall, the pentameric structure of IgM enhances complement activation by facilitating multivalent binding to antigens and promoting efficient interaction with the C1 complex.
Explain how some isotypes of antibody function as opsonins. Explain the role of Fc receptors and innate cell types in this process.
Some isotypes of antibody can function as opsonins. This requires interactions between Ab and Fc-receptors expressed on phagocytic cells.
FCˠ= FC gamma
Enhanced phagocytosis of Ab and complement (C3b) coated pathogens.
The role of Fc receptors and innate cell types in this process is crucial:
Describe the fundamental process of ADCC (antibody-mediated cellular
cytotoxicity). What types of immune cells can participate
in
ADCC, what roles are played by Ab, Fc receptors, perforin/granzyme B?
How is a cell actually killed in the ADCC process
(apoptosis most often)?
In summary, ADCC is a process in which immune effector cells, such as NK cells, recognize and destroy target cells coated with antibodies through the engagement of Fc receptors, release of cytotoxic molecules like perforin and granzyme B, and induction of apoptosis in the target cells. This mechanism plays a critical role in immune surveillance and defense against infections and cancer.
Describe the unique function of IgE antibodies in combating worm
infections. What is the role of the Fc epsilon receptor in
this
process? What types of immune cells participate in this
process (the eosinophil mostly)?
IgE antibodies play a unique role in combating worm infections through a process called helminth immunity. When the body encounters parasitic worm infections, such as helminths, it initiates an immune response characterized by the production of IgE antibodies.
The unique function of IgE antibodies in this context is their ability to bind to specific receptors called Fc epsilon receptors (FcεR) found on the surface of immune cells, particularly mast cells and basophils. When IgE antibodies bind to FcεR, it sensitizes these cells to respond rapidly upon subsequent exposure to the same worm antigens.
During a worm infection, the worm antigens trigger the cross-linking of IgE antibodies bound to FcεR on mast cells and basophils. This cross-linking leads to the release of potent mediators such as histamine, leukotrienes, and cytokines from these cells. These mediators play crucial roles in orchestrating an immune response against the worms.
Eosinophils are another type of immune cell that plays a significant role in combating worm infections, particularly through their interaction with IgE antibodies. Eosinophils express receptors for IgE antibodies, allowing them to bind to IgE-opsonized parasites. Upon binding, eosinophils release toxic granule contents, including major basic protein and eosinophil peroxidase, which are highly effective at killing parasites.
In summary, IgE antibodies facilitate the immune response against worm infections by sensitizing mast cells, basophils, and eosinophils through binding to FcεR. This sensitization primes these cells to respond rapidly and efficiently upon subsequent exposure to worm antigens, leading to the release of mediators and toxic granule contents that help combat the infection.
Describe the location of microfold cells (M cells) and describe the
role that these specialized cells play in antigen delivery
to
mucosa-associated secondary lymphoid tissues (e.g. Peyer’s
patches, tonsils). This is the transcytosis process
Microfold cells (M cells) are specialized epithelial cells found in the epithelium that covers mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues, such as Peyer's patches in the intestines and the tonsils in the upper respiratory tract.
The location of M cells within these tissues is strategically positioned over the lymphoid follicles, which are regions rich in immune cells like B and T lymphocytes. M cells are characterized by their unique morphology, featuring a distinct microfold or "M" shape on their apical surface, which gives them their name.
The primary role of M cells is to transport antigens and pathogens from the lumen of the mucosa across the epithelial barrier to the underlying lymphoid tissue, where they can initiate an immune response. This process, known as transcytosis, involves several steps:
Overall, M cells are essential for surveilling the mucosal environment and delivering antigens to mucosa-associated secondary lymphoid tissues, where they initiate immune responses and help maintain mucosal homeostasis.
Describe the general steps that are involved in the activation of
naïve B and T lymphocytes in mucosa-associated lymphoid
tissues
(essentially the same as what they are in the lymph node
as discussed in earlier lectures).
Overall, the activation of naive B and T lymphocytes in mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues involves a coordinated interplay between antigen presentation, T cell activation, B cell activation, clonal expansion, differentiation, and effector functions, ultimately leading to the generation of adaptive immune responses tailored to mucosal pathogens and antigens.
Describe the mechanism for transport of sIgA and IgM onto mucosal
surfaces. Describe the roles of the poly-Ig receptor, J-
chain,
transcytosis, and protease enzymes in this process.
In summary, the transport of sIgA and sIgM onto mucosal surfaces involves the binding of pIgR to IgA or IgM antibodies, internalization, proteolytic cleavage to release SC, association with the J-chain, transcytosis across epithelial cells, and secretion into the mucosal lumen. This process ensures the delivery of antibody-mediated immune protection to mucosal surfaces, where pathogens often enter the body.
Be aware of the fact that some IgG is also transported onto mucosal surfaces, but less than sIgA and IgM.
Certainly! While secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) are the primary immunoglobulins transported onto mucosal surfaces, some immunoglobulin G (IgG) is also transported, although to a lesser extent. IgG transport onto mucosal surfaces typically occurs via a process known as transudation, where small amounts of IgG from the bloodstream pass through the epithelial barrier into mucosal secretions.
The mechanism of IgG transudation involves the diffusion of IgG molecules across the epithelial barrier, facilitated by their smaller size compared to polymeric IgA and IgM antibodies. This passive diffusion allows for the presence of IgG in mucosal secretions, albeit at lower concentrations than sIgA and IgM.
Although IgG is less abundant in mucosal secretions, it still plays important roles in mucosal immunity. IgG antibodies present in mucosal secretions can neutralize pathogens, toxins, and allergens, providing additional protection against mucosal infections and allergenic responses.
In summary, while sIgA and IgM are the predominant immunoglobulins transported onto mucosal surfaces, some IgG is also present, albeit in lower concentrations. This underscores the diversity and complexity of mucosal immune responses and highlights the complementary roles of different antibody isotypes in mucosal immunity.
ChatGPT can make mistakes. Conside
Explain the immunological benefits of having antibody localized to
the mucosal epithelium surface. What types of infections
are
these antibodies particularly useful against?
Having antibodies localized to the mucosal epithelium surface provides several immunological benefits, enhancing the body's defense against a variety of pathogens and contributing to mucosal immunity:
Mucosal antibodies are particularly useful against infections caused by pathogens that enter the body through mucosal surfaces, such as:
In summary, mucosal antibodies provide localized protection against a wide range of pathogens at mucosal surfaces, contributing to mucosal immunity and helping to prevent mucosal infections. Their diverse mechanisms of action make them effective in neutralizing pathogens, enhancing clearance mechanisms, and promoting immune responses against mucosal pathogens.
Class-switching does not change what an antibody binds to (fact). True/False: Class-switching can eliminate a function of an antibody and it can create a new function for the antibody.
True
A woman receives the COVID mRNA vaccine. Two months after receiving the vaccine the woman becomes pregnant and eventually gives birth to a little boy that she names Bart. True/False: On the day that Bart is born, he has plasma cells in his body that are secreting antibodies specific for proteins of the COVID (SARS-CoV2) virus.
False
IgM and IgG can both activate the classic complement cascade (fact). True/False: IgG is better than IgM at activating the classic complement cascade when antibody is present at very low levels.
False
Individuals who lack a functional gene encoding a protein called RANKL produce little to no M cells (fact). True/False: These individuals would not be expected to make a normal antibody response after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.Select an answer and submit. For keyboard navigation, use the up/down arrow keys to select an answer.aTruebFalse
false
Which one of the following situations is not an example of passive immunity.
a.Administering human serum obtained from COVID survivors to treat a COVID infection.
b.Transferring plasma cells from one mouse into a second mouse.
c.Administering an mRNA vaccine.
d.Transfer of maternal IgG across the placenta and into the fetus.
e.Ingestion of sIgA antibodies by a child during breast feeding.
c.Administering an mRNA vaccine.
An antibody can be separated (cleaved) into Fab fragments and Fc fragments by treating them with enzymes such as papain (fact). You digest an antibody that binds to a neutralizing epitope on SARS-CoV2 with papain. Which one of the following statements is true
a.The Fc fragment of this antibody retains the ability to neutralize SARS-CoV2 virus.
b.The Fab fragments of this antibody retain the ability to neutralize SARS-CoV2 virus.
c.Both the Fc fragment and the Fab fragments of this antibody retain the ability to neutralize SARS-CoV2 virus.
d.Neither the Fc fragment nor the Fab fragments of this antibody retain the ability to neutralize SARS-CoV2 virus.
b.The Fab fragments of this antibody retain the ability to neutralize SARS-CoV2 virus.
An antibody can be separated (cleaved) into Fab fragments and Fc fragments by treating them with enzymes such as papain (fact). You digest an antibody that binds to a virus protein that is expressed on the surface of a cell infected with virus X and helps to kill those cells by participating in ADCC. Which one of the following statements is true?
a.The Fc fragment of this antibody retains the ability to kill virus infected cells by participating in ADCC.
b.The Fab fragments of this antibody retain the ability to kill virus infected cells by participating in ADCC.
c.Both the Fc fragment and the Fab fragments of this antibody retain the ability to kill virus infected cells by participating in ADCC.
d.Neither the Fc fragment nor the Fab fragments of this antibody retain the ability to kill virus infected cells by participating in ADCC.
d.Neither the Fc fragment nor the Fab fragments of this antibody retain the ability to kill virus infected cells by participating in ADCC.
A plasma cell secretes an IgG antibody that binds to a protein from the influenza A virus. True/False: It is possible for this antibody to possess all of the following functions/abilities: To neutralize influenza virus infectivity, to function as an effective opsonizing antibody, to activate the classic complement cascade on the surface of influenza virus-infected cells, and to participate in the killing of influenza virus-infected cells through the process of ADCC.
True
A woman lacks a functional gene for the poly Ig receptor (fact). True/False: This woman would not be able to provide normal passive immunity to her fetus.
False