Warning

 

Close

Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Confirm Cancel
BCM
User Panel

Page / 3
Next Page Arrow Left
Link Posted: 8/18/2021 10:37:16 PM EDT
[#1]
Are you vaccinated?
Link Posted: 8/31/2021 1:34:05 PM EDT
[#2]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
I think that's a drastic oversimplification.

Best example: our antibodies bind to and fight off anything from viruses (nm), to worms (mm-cm).

View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:


Our immune system has two paths it uses to eight off things.
One is for full size cells.
The other is for sub-cellular items.
Most viruses are sub-cellular, though a few can be large enough or present enough
protein 'coat' to be recognized as foreign items.

Small items like a specific metal atom (say nickel) are handled by one path.

Immunology is a PhD area, not so much an MD area.
Though there are plenty of folks with dual degrees (MD, PhD) out there.
I think that's a drastic oversimplification.

Best example: our antibodies bind to and fight off anything from viruses (nm), to worms (mm-cm).



The binding of antibodies still occurs (in many cases if not all) well below the cellular level.
Many use three amino acids  in the foreign protein.
Protein folding means the set of three may NOT be directly adjacent in the actual molecule.
This is one of the things that makes identifying autoimmune reactions.

We are reasonably confidential that Epstein Barr (the virus that also triggers infectious mononucleosis,
and is the initial trigger for MS anti-myelin antibodies).

But what set of proteins? in what arrangement , especially after folding.
And why only in certain people?
Epstein Barr is ubiquitous in humans.
Estimates of its presence in humans have ranged up to (95% or higher).
Yet only a very small phenotype develop MS.
And the phenotype appears to be loosely genetically coupled.
There is a familial presence of MS.
If you have it, there is an increased rate among you direct brothers and sisters.
With a looser coupling to cousins.






Link Posted: 10/9/2021 1:34:08 PM EDT
[#3]
Quoted:
...And why only in certain people?...
View Quote

This is a question of why does he look different than me? Different alleles of the same gene lead to theoretically predictable differences in clonal selection, and then random AID-related events during the memory pathway lead to further, theoretically unpredictable differences in specificity.

1. Pleomorphism in the MHC class II and III genes resulting in differences in B-cell selection. Pleomorphisms in complement C2 and factor B (closely-related MHC class III molecules important in the classical and alternative pathways, respectively) can produce up to 10000-fold differences in antigen uptake, and of course, pleomorphisms in MHC class II (mainly HLA-DP,DQ,DR) can lead to differences in antigen presentation. Thus, the amplitude of a response (and thus what we perceive as differences among individuals) is dictated by these events which control antigen uptake and presentation.

2. AID (the B-cell specific, activation-induced cytosine deaminase) leading to less predictable specific differences among individuals. So, after B-cell clonal selection, clonal expansion occurs and the first wave of B-cells give rise to 1) IgM-producing plasma cells (terminally differentiated cells, so committed to secreting soluble antibody that they lack the surface expression of BCR and CD40, and programmed for eventual death); and 2) to B-cells on the memory pathway. B-cells on the memory pathway can undergo class switch recombination (IgA1-2, IgG1-4, IgE), dependent upon what type of T-cell help they receive. If committed to the memory pathway, B-cells may undergo AID-related changes by generating different specificities as a result of (1) somatic hypermutation, (2) class-switch recombination, or (3) "templated mutations" with a VH-region pseudogene. AID is dependent on ssDNA, which occurs in all three processes.

As an aside, most antigen recognition is mainly primary structure (sequence or how the subunits are linked) recognition (like phone numbers). And only immunoglobulins (not the TCR or MHC class I or II) really see tertiary, secondary, and quaternary structure. Even most antibodies are mainly specific for primary sequence.
Link Posted: 10/27/2021 5:45:09 PM EDT
[#4]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Are you vaccinated?
View Quote
Yes.
Page / 3
Next Page Arrow Left
Close Join Our Mail List to Stay Up To Date! Win a FREE Membership!

Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!

You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.


By signing up you agree to our User Agreement. *Must have a registered ARFCOM account to win.
Top Top