Immunology. Purpose of the immune system: –Discriminate self from non-self Non-self –Antigens...
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Transcript of Immunology. Purpose of the immune system: –Discriminate self from non-self Non-self –Antigens...
Immunology
Immunology
• Purpose of the immune system:– Discriminate self from non-self
• Non-self –Antigens
• Immunity:– All mechanisms used by the host to protect itself
and fight non-self
Non-Self - Antigens• Anything that can react with the participants
of the immune system– Ex. antibodies
• Epitope: Characteristic of the antigen which allows its recognition as being non-self– Ex. Lipids, proteins, lipopolysaccharides
The Antigen
Virus=Antigen
Epitopes
Immunological Diagnostic Methods
• Determine the presence of an antigen:• An organism• A protein• A toxin• An antibody
– ELISA method to determine quantity– Immunochromatography (Rapid tests)
ELISA
• Used to detect the presence of antigens or antibodies– High sensitivity– Quantitative
ELISAMethod
ENZENZ ENZENZENZENZ ENZENZ ENZENZ
ENZENZENZENZ
ENZENZENZENZ ENZENZ
Serum (source of Ag) is added to plastic wells
Antigen PresentAntigen Present Antigen AbsentAntigen Absent
Blocking agent addedAb against AgAg is addedWashDetecting Ab addedWashSubstrate added
Interpretation of Results• Serums of patients tested for the presence of HIV
– 1o Ab anti-HIV from mouse– 2o Ab anti-Ab of mouse
• Conclusions– Patients 1 & 3 are positive for HIV
– Patient 3 has a higher titer
– Patient 2 is negative for HIV
1/2 1/4 1/8 1/16 1/32 1/64 1/128Control serums + —
1/8
Immunochromatography Method
9
Interpretation
10
Positive Negative Invalid