Vaccine+Homework

7.4 Specific Defenses (pp.130-131) 7.5 Acquired Immunity (pp.136-137) How was the hepatitis B vaccine prepared? (p.136) -it was genetically engineered to bacteria to mass-produce a protein from pathogens and this protein is now used as the hepatitis B vaccine How could a vaccine be a contraceptive (form of birth control)? (p.332) - the vaccine to immunize women against HCG, hormone necessary to maintaining the implantation of the embryo. HGC is not normally present in the body, no autoimmune reaction is expected, but the immunization does wear off with time.
 * Define and describe
 * specific defense- specific defenses respond to antigens
 * antigen- molecules the immune system recognizes as foreign to the body. Antigens are typically large molecules, such as proteins.
 * special B cells called plasma cells- Most of the cloned B cells become plasma cells, which circulate in the blood and lymph
 * antibody- protein produced in response to the presence of an antigen; each antibody combines with a specific antigen
 * antibody mediated immunity- Defense by B cells...activated B cells become plasma cells that produce antibodies which combine with antigens
 * Define and describe
 * active immunity- INDIVIDUAL ALONE PRODUCES ANTIBODIES AGAINST AN ANTIGEN sometimes develops naturally after a person is infected with a pathogen. However, active immunity is often induced in order to prevent a healthy person from getting infected (vaccine)
 * passive immunity- THE INDVIDUAL IS GIVEN PREPARED ANTIBODIES VIA AN INJECTION occurs when an individual is given prepared antibodies or immune cells to combat a disease. These antibodies are not produced by the individual's plasma cells, therefore passive immunity is temporary (example antibodies in breast milk)
 * vaccine-antigens prepared in such a way that they can produce active immunity without causing disease...vaccines are pathogens that have been treated so they are no longer able to cause disease
 * antibody titer- after a vaccine is given, following an immune response by determining the amount of antibody present in a sample of plasma

How could a vaccine help fight cancer? (p.416) - some monoclonal antibodies are designed to zero in on the receptor proteins of cancer cells. To increase the killing power of monoclonal antibodies, they are linked to radioactive isotopes or chemotherapeutic drugs. Soon they may be used as initial therapies alongside of chemotherapy Is an AIDS vaccine possible? (p.351) - scientists are optimistic because they understand the human body's ability to suppress the infection and also they had some success with vaccinating monkeys
 * Describe "setback" number 2.
 * HIV mutates so much that HIV in one person is different than HIV in another. The question then arises will there need to be a vaccine for each specific type of HIV or could there be one general vaccine that works for everyone
 * Describe setback number 3.
 * vaccine may produce only short term results and people may need yearly vaccinations (similar to the flu vaccine)