#2.4.1
Each type of cell has specific molecules on its surface that identify it. These molecules include proteins and enable the immune system to identify:
- pathogens
- cells from other organisms of the same species
- abnormal body cells
- toxins.
#2.4.2
Definition of antigen. The effect of antigen variability on disease and disease prevention.
#2.4.3
Phagocytosis of pathogens. The subsequent destruction of ingested pathogens by lysozymes.
#2.4.4
The response of T lymphocytes to a foreign antigen (the cellular response).
- The role of antigen-presenting cells in the cellular response.
- The role of helper T cells (TH cells) in stimulating cytotoxic T cells (TC cells), B cells and phagocytes. The role of other T cells is not required.
#2.4.5
The response of B lymphocytes to a foreign antigen, clonal selection and the release of monoclonal antibodies (the humoral response).
- Definition of antibody.
- Antibody structure.
- The formation of an antigen-antibody complex, leading to the destruction of the antigen, limited to agglutination and phagocytosis of bacterial cells.
- The roles of plasma cells and of memory cells in producing primary and secondary immune responses.
#2.4.6
The use of vaccines to provide protection for individuals and populations against disease. The concept of herd immunity.
#2.4.7
The differences between active and passive immunity.
#2.4.8
Structure of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and its replication in helper T cells.
#2.4.9
How HIV causes the symptoms of AIDS. Why antibiotics are ineffective against viruses.
#2.4.10
The use of monoclonal antibodies in:
- targeting medication to specific cell types by attaching a therapeutic drug to an antibody
- medical diagnosis.
Details of the commercial or scientific production of monoclonal antibodies are not required.
#2.4.11
Ethical issues associated with the use of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies.
#2.4.12
The use of antibodies in the ELISA test.
#2.4.13
Students should be able to:
- discuss ethical issues associated with the use of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies
- evaluate methodology, evidence and data relating to the use of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies.