Assignment task: Innate immuty
Problem 1: A macrophage, using TLR4, has recognized a bacterial pathogen containing LPS. Is this recognition event alone able to trigger phagocytosis? If not, can you name a PRR that can induce phagocytosis after recognition of LPS?
Problem 2: In no more than five steps, list how an innate immune system could become activated by binding to a Gram- positive bacterial pathogen using TLR2.
Problem 3: Name a barrier to microbial infection in humans that contains both physical and chemical components. In the example, describe the physical component and chemical component.
Problem 4: Why does lysozyme not damage human cells?
Problem 5: How can the regulated cell death of an innate immune cell be beneficial, following activation by PAMPs?
Problem 6: Using mutagenesis, you have removed a gene essential for production of pili by Escherichia coli known to cause urinary tract infections. Would you expect the mutated bacteria to retain the capacity to cause urinary tract infections?
Problem 7: Would a potential vaccine that only activates the innate immune response be likely to be effective? Why or why not?
Problem 8: How can receptors of the innate immune system, such as PRRs, be considered both specific and general?
Problem 9: Name three human organs or areas of the body where you would expect to find significant levels of antimicrobial proteins.
Problem 10: At what point in evolution did adaptive immunity develop?
Problem 11: An innate immune cell has become activated by a PRR-activated signaling pathway. Name the distinct classes of molecules that will be upregulated in response to this type of activation and 1) will put surrounding cells into an "antiviral state" or 2) will attract additional immune cells to the site of activation.
Problem 12: Imagine you are walking barefoot across a pasture when your foot becomes punctured with a dirty splinter. Describe the physiological and molecular changes that occur in your foot over the next few hours.