Cells of the
Immune System
Sentinels of the Body's Defense
Presented by – Deepanshu Banyal
(MAU23PBT010)
Presented to – Dr Abhishek Awasthi
Department of Biotechnology
Content
 Introduction to the Immune System
 Cells of the Immune System
 Common Lymphoid Progenitor
 Common Myeloid Progenitor
 References
Introduction to the Immune System
 Complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to
protect the body against foreign invaders, such as pathogens
(viruses, bacteria, fungi), toxins, and abnormal cells.
 The primary functions of the immune system are:
1. To recognize and respond to foreign substances or pathogens
(immune recognition)
2. To neutralize and eliminate these threats (immune response)
3. To establish long-term protection against specific pathogens
(immunological memory)
Cells of the Immune System
 The immune system is a defense system in a host consisting of widely
distributed cells, tissues and organs that recognize foreign
substance and microorganisms and acts to neutralize them.
 The cells present both specific and non- specific immunity are
leukocytes (or white blood cells). Leukocytes include neutrophils,
eosinophils, basophils, mast cells, monocytes and lymphocytes.
 All leukocytes arise from Hematopoietic Stem Cell (HSC). During
hematopoiesis, HSC differentiates along one of two pathways,
giving rise to either a Common Lymphoid Progenitor or a Common
Myeloid Progenitor.
In humans,
hematopoiesis begins in
the embryonic yolk sac
during the first weeks of
development and
continue whole life –
location changes to yolk
sac (1st week)
→ liver (3rd week to 7th
weeks of gestation) →
bone marrow (whole life).
Common Lymphoid Progenitor
 Lymphocytes
 Small white blood cells which are responsible for much of the work
of the Immune System.
 Lymphocytes can be divided into three classes: B cells, T cells and
Natural Killer cells (NKC) .
 Mature lymphocytes all have a similar appearance. They are small
cells with a deeply basophilic nucleus and scanty cytoplasm.
B Cells and T Cells
 T cells or T lymphocytes belong to a group of white blood
cells and play a central role in Cell-mediated Immunity.
While, B cells are lymphocytes that play a large role in
the Humoral Immune Response. B cells is an essential
component of the Adaptive Immune System.
 B cells spend their entire early life in the bone
marrow. While the T cells, leave the bone marrow at an
early age and travel to the thymus, where they mature.
 The principal functions of B cells is to make antibodies
against antigens, perform the role of antigen-presenting
cells (APCs) and eventually develop into memory B cells
after activation by antigen interaction.
 On the other hand, T cells constitutes 65-75% of blood
lymphocytes. They can be distinguished from other
lymphocytes by the presence of a T cell receptor (TCR)
on the cell surface.
 Another key feature of B cells and T cells, includes the
receptors it has in its surface. T cells recognize a linear
sequence of amino acids whereas, B cells the spatial
arrangement of proteins, nucleic acids, polyssacharides
or lipids.
T Cells
 Helper T-Cell: assist other white blood cells in immunologic
processes, including maturation of B cells into plasma cells and
memory B cells, and activation of cytotoxic T cells and
macrophages.
 Cytotoxic T-Cell: destroy virally infected cells and tumor cells, and
are also implicated in transplant rejection.
 Regulatory T-Cell: formerly known as suppressor T cells, are crucial
for the maintenance of immunological tolerance.
 Memory T-Cell: are a subset of antigen-specific T cells that persist
long-term after an infection has resolved.
B Cells
 Plasma B-Cells: are large B cells that have been exposed to
antigen and produce and secrete large amounts of antibodies,
which assist in the destruction of microbes by binding to them and
making them easier targets for phagocytes and activation of the
complement system.
 Memory B-Cells: are formed from activated B cells that are specific
to the antigen encountered during the primary immune response.
 B1 Cells and B2 Cells
 Marginal B-Cells
 Follicular B-Cells
Natural Killer Cells
 These cells lack the marker molecules characteristic of B and T
cells. They comprise about 10-15% of the lymphocytes of circulating
blood.
 The role NK cells play is analogous to that of cytotoxic T cells in the
vertebrate adaptive immune response. NK cells provide rapid
responses to virally infected cells and respond to tumor formation,
acting at around 3 days after infection.
 NK cells are unique, however, as they have the ability to recognize
stressed cells in the absence of antibodies and MHC, allowing for a
much faster immune reaction.
 They were named “natural killers” because of the initial notion that
they do not require activation in order to kill cells that are missing
“self” markers of major histocompatibility complex (MHC).
Common Myeloid Progenitor
Monocytes
 These are mononuclear phagocytic leukocytes that circulate briefly
in the bloodstream before migrating into the tissue where it
becomes macrophages or dendritic cells.
 Monocytes circulate in the bloodstream for about 8 hours, during
which they enlarge; then they migrate into the tissues and
differentiate into specific tissue macrophages or dendritic cells.
Macrophages
 Macrophages are cells produced by the differentiation of monocytes in
tissues. It function in both non-specific defense, Innate Immunity, as well
as help initiate specific defense mechanisms, Adaptive Immunity, of
vertebrate animals.
 Their role is to ”phagocytose” (engulf and then digest) cellular debris and
pathogens, either as stationary or as mobile cells.
 They also stimulate lymphocytes and other immune cells to respond to
pathogens. They are specialized phagocytic cells that attack foreign
substances, infectious microbes and cancer cells through destruction and
ingestion.
Dendritic Cells
 Dendritic cells are professional antigen-presenting cells that
capture, process, and present antigens to T cells.
 They bridge innate and adaptive immunity, initiating and regulating
immune responses against pathogens and cancer.
 Different subsets, including conventional and plasmacytoid
dendritic cells, reside in tissues and lymphoid organs.
 Their maturation and migration to lymph nodes facilitate T cell
activation and tailored immune responses.
Neutrophils
 Neutrophils are the most abundant type of granulocytes and first
responders of the innate immune system.
 They rapidly migrate to sites of infection or inflammation, guided by
chemotactic signals.
 Neutrophils employ various mechanisms to eliminate pathogens,
including phagocytosis, degranulation, and neutrophil extracellular
traps (NETs).
 These short-lived cells play a crucial role in acute inflammatory
responses and host defense.
 Dysregulation of neutrophil functions can contribute to autoimmune
disorders and chronic inflammatory conditions.
Eosinophils
 These cells are white blood cells that are one of the immune system
components responsible for combating multicellular parasites and
certain infections in vertebrates.
 Along with mast cells, they also control mechanisms associated with
allergy and asthma. They are granulocytes that develop during
hematopoiesis in the bone marrow before migrating into blood.
Basophils
 The name comes from the fact that these leukocytes are
basophilic; they are susceptible to staining by basic dyes.
 Basophils contain large cytoplasmic granules which obscure the
cell nucleus under the microscope. However, when unstained, the
nucleus is visible and it usually has 2 lobes.
Mast Cells
 These are cells concentrated within the respiratory and gastrointestinal
tracts, and within the deep layers of the skin.
 These cells release histamine upon encountering certain antigens,
thereby triggering an allergic reaction.
 The mast cell is very similar in both appearance and function to the
Basophil, a type of white blood cell.
Red Blood Cell
 It is also called “Erythrocytes” and has two functions:
1.) To pick up oxygen from the lungs and deliver it to tissues elsewhere.
2.) To pick up carbon dioxide from other tissues and unload it in the
lungs.
 An erythrocyte is a disc-shaped cell with a thick rim and a thin
sunken centre.
 RBCs are incapable of aerobic respiration, preventing them from
consuming the oxygen they transport because they lose nearly all
their inner cellular components during maturation.
Platelets
 Platelets are small fragments of bone marrow cells and are therefore not
really classified as cells themselves.
 Platelets have the following functions: Secrete vasoconstrictors which
constrict blood vessels, causing vascular spasms in broken blood vessels,
Form temporary platelet plugs to stop bleeding, Secrete procoagulants
(clotting factors) to promote blood clotting, Dissolve blood clots when they
are no longer needed, Digest and destroy bacteria, Secrete chemicals that
attract neutrophils and monocytes to sites of inflammation and Secrete
growth factors to maintain the linings of blood vessels.
References
 Kono, H., & Rock, K. L. (2008). How dying cells alert the immune system
to danger. Nature Reviews Immunology, 8(4), 279-289.
 Kopitar-Jerala, N. (2006). The role of cystatins in cells of the immune
system. FEBS letters, 580(27), 6295-6301.
 Hervas-Stubbs, S., Perez-Gracia, J. L., Rouzaut, A., Sanmamed, M. F., Le
Bon, A., & Melero, I. (2011). Direct effects of type I interferons on cells of
the immune system. Clinical Cancer Research, 17(9), 2619-2627.
 Lubbers, R., Van Essen, M. F., Van Kooten, C., & Trouw, L. A. (2017).
Production of complement components by cells of the immune
system. Clinical & Experimental Immunology, 188(2), 183-194.
 Delves, P. J., & Roitt, I. M. (2000). The immune system. New England
journal of medicine, 343(1), 37-49.
Thank you

Cells of the Immune System (Sentinels of the Body's Defense)

  • 1.
    Cells of the ImmuneSystem Sentinels of the Body's Defense Presented by – Deepanshu Banyal (MAU23PBT010) Presented to – Dr Abhishek Awasthi Department of Biotechnology
  • 2.
    Content  Introduction tothe Immune System  Cells of the Immune System  Common Lymphoid Progenitor  Common Myeloid Progenitor  References
  • 3.
    Introduction to theImmune System  Complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body against foreign invaders, such as pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi), toxins, and abnormal cells.  The primary functions of the immune system are: 1. To recognize and respond to foreign substances or pathogens (immune recognition) 2. To neutralize and eliminate these threats (immune response) 3. To establish long-term protection against specific pathogens (immunological memory)
  • 4.
    Cells of theImmune System  The immune system is a defense system in a host consisting of widely distributed cells, tissues and organs that recognize foreign substance and microorganisms and acts to neutralize them.  The cells present both specific and non- specific immunity are leukocytes (or white blood cells). Leukocytes include neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, mast cells, monocytes and lymphocytes.  All leukocytes arise from Hematopoietic Stem Cell (HSC). During hematopoiesis, HSC differentiates along one of two pathways, giving rise to either a Common Lymphoid Progenitor or a Common Myeloid Progenitor.
  • 5.
    In humans, hematopoiesis beginsin the embryonic yolk sac during the first weeks of development and continue whole life – location changes to yolk sac (1st week) → liver (3rd week to 7th weeks of gestation) → bone marrow (whole life).
  • 7.
    Common Lymphoid Progenitor Lymphocytes  Small white blood cells which are responsible for much of the work of the Immune System.  Lymphocytes can be divided into three classes: B cells, T cells and Natural Killer cells (NKC) .  Mature lymphocytes all have a similar appearance. They are small cells with a deeply basophilic nucleus and scanty cytoplasm.
  • 8.
    B Cells andT Cells  T cells or T lymphocytes belong to a group of white blood cells and play a central role in Cell-mediated Immunity. While, B cells are lymphocytes that play a large role in the Humoral Immune Response. B cells is an essential component of the Adaptive Immune System.  B cells spend their entire early life in the bone marrow. While the T cells, leave the bone marrow at an early age and travel to the thymus, where they mature.
  • 9.
     The principalfunctions of B cells is to make antibodies against antigens, perform the role of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and eventually develop into memory B cells after activation by antigen interaction.  On the other hand, T cells constitutes 65-75% of blood lymphocytes. They can be distinguished from other lymphocytes by the presence of a T cell receptor (TCR) on the cell surface.  Another key feature of B cells and T cells, includes the receptors it has in its surface. T cells recognize a linear sequence of amino acids whereas, B cells the spatial arrangement of proteins, nucleic acids, polyssacharides or lipids.
  • 11.
    T Cells  HelperT-Cell: assist other white blood cells in immunologic processes, including maturation of B cells into plasma cells and memory B cells, and activation of cytotoxic T cells and macrophages.  Cytotoxic T-Cell: destroy virally infected cells and tumor cells, and are also implicated in transplant rejection.  Regulatory T-Cell: formerly known as suppressor T cells, are crucial for the maintenance of immunological tolerance.  Memory T-Cell: are a subset of antigen-specific T cells that persist long-term after an infection has resolved.
  • 12.
    B Cells  PlasmaB-Cells: are large B cells that have been exposed to antigen and produce and secrete large amounts of antibodies, which assist in the destruction of microbes by binding to them and making them easier targets for phagocytes and activation of the complement system.  Memory B-Cells: are formed from activated B cells that are specific to the antigen encountered during the primary immune response.  B1 Cells and B2 Cells  Marginal B-Cells  Follicular B-Cells
  • 13.
    Natural Killer Cells These cells lack the marker molecules characteristic of B and T cells. They comprise about 10-15% of the lymphocytes of circulating blood.  The role NK cells play is analogous to that of cytotoxic T cells in the vertebrate adaptive immune response. NK cells provide rapid responses to virally infected cells and respond to tumor formation, acting at around 3 days after infection.  NK cells are unique, however, as they have the ability to recognize stressed cells in the absence of antibodies and MHC, allowing for a much faster immune reaction.  They were named “natural killers” because of the initial notion that they do not require activation in order to kill cells that are missing “self” markers of major histocompatibility complex (MHC).
  • 15.
    Common Myeloid Progenitor Monocytes These are mononuclear phagocytic leukocytes that circulate briefly in the bloodstream before migrating into the tissue where it becomes macrophages or dendritic cells.  Monocytes circulate in the bloodstream for about 8 hours, during which they enlarge; then they migrate into the tissues and differentiate into specific tissue macrophages or dendritic cells.
  • 16.
    Macrophages  Macrophages arecells produced by the differentiation of monocytes in tissues. It function in both non-specific defense, Innate Immunity, as well as help initiate specific defense mechanisms, Adaptive Immunity, of vertebrate animals.  Their role is to ”phagocytose” (engulf and then digest) cellular debris and pathogens, either as stationary or as mobile cells.  They also stimulate lymphocytes and other immune cells to respond to pathogens. They are specialized phagocytic cells that attack foreign substances, infectious microbes and cancer cells through destruction and ingestion.
  • 18.
    Dendritic Cells  Dendriticcells are professional antigen-presenting cells that capture, process, and present antigens to T cells.  They bridge innate and adaptive immunity, initiating and regulating immune responses against pathogens and cancer.  Different subsets, including conventional and plasmacytoid dendritic cells, reside in tissues and lymphoid organs.  Their maturation and migration to lymph nodes facilitate T cell activation and tailored immune responses.
  • 20.
    Neutrophils  Neutrophils arethe most abundant type of granulocytes and first responders of the innate immune system.  They rapidly migrate to sites of infection or inflammation, guided by chemotactic signals.  Neutrophils employ various mechanisms to eliminate pathogens, including phagocytosis, degranulation, and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs).  These short-lived cells play a crucial role in acute inflammatory responses and host defense.  Dysregulation of neutrophil functions can contribute to autoimmune disorders and chronic inflammatory conditions.
  • 22.
    Eosinophils  These cellsare white blood cells that are one of the immune system components responsible for combating multicellular parasites and certain infections in vertebrates.  Along with mast cells, they also control mechanisms associated with allergy and asthma. They are granulocytes that develop during hematopoiesis in the bone marrow before migrating into blood.
  • 23.
    Basophils  The namecomes from the fact that these leukocytes are basophilic; they are susceptible to staining by basic dyes.  Basophils contain large cytoplasmic granules which obscure the cell nucleus under the microscope. However, when unstained, the nucleus is visible and it usually has 2 lobes.
  • 24.
    Mast Cells  Theseare cells concentrated within the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, and within the deep layers of the skin.  These cells release histamine upon encountering certain antigens, thereby triggering an allergic reaction.  The mast cell is very similar in both appearance and function to the Basophil, a type of white blood cell.
  • 25.
    Red Blood Cell It is also called “Erythrocytes” and has two functions: 1.) To pick up oxygen from the lungs and deliver it to tissues elsewhere. 2.) To pick up carbon dioxide from other tissues and unload it in the lungs.  An erythrocyte is a disc-shaped cell with a thick rim and a thin sunken centre.  RBCs are incapable of aerobic respiration, preventing them from consuming the oxygen they transport because they lose nearly all their inner cellular components during maturation.
  • 27.
    Platelets  Platelets aresmall fragments of bone marrow cells and are therefore not really classified as cells themselves.  Platelets have the following functions: Secrete vasoconstrictors which constrict blood vessels, causing vascular spasms in broken blood vessels, Form temporary platelet plugs to stop bleeding, Secrete procoagulants (clotting factors) to promote blood clotting, Dissolve blood clots when they are no longer needed, Digest and destroy bacteria, Secrete chemicals that attract neutrophils and monocytes to sites of inflammation and Secrete growth factors to maintain the linings of blood vessels.
  • 29.
    References  Kono, H.,& Rock, K. L. (2008). How dying cells alert the immune system to danger. Nature Reviews Immunology, 8(4), 279-289.  Kopitar-Jerala, N. (2006). The role of cystatins in cells of the immune system. FEBS letters, 580(27), 6295-6301.  Hervas-Stubbs, S., Perez-Gracia, J. L., Rouzaut, A., Sanmamed, M. F., Le Bon, A., & Melero, I. (2011). Direct effects of type I interferons on cells of the immune system. Clinical Cancer Research, 17(9), 2619-2627.  Lubbers, R., Van Essen, M. F., Van Kooten, C., & Trouw, L. A. (2017). Production of complement components by cells of the immune system. Clinical & Experimental Immunology, 188(2), 183-194.  Delves, P. J., & Roitt, I. M. (2000). The immune system. New England journal of medicine, 343(1), 37-49.
  • 30.