Hi I'm working on a take home project and we are supposed to get advice
from professionals regarding the answers and list the sources. Can
anyone help me with these questions? Max answer per question is 4 pages
double spaced. Thanks!
** We must answer 1. choose ONE between 2. and 3. and choose another
ONE between 4. and 5.
1. Describe and discuss the function of the common features of innate
immunity of invertebrates and vertebrates.
2. The combining site for antigen of the MHC class I and II molecules
are of different sizes. Describe and discuss the advantages and
disadvantages for the host to have MHC class I and II molecules that
are of different sizes.
3. An influenza epidemic has just be declared. The virologists have
been able to isolate the virus (v-2004) from patients and they have
determined that is very similar to a virus isolated 50
years ago (v-1954). The virus (v-2004) is also similar to a virus
isolated in 2003 (v-2003). Individuals that are 50 years of age and
older have a fever that spikes within 48 hours of
infection but the individuals all recover from the infection within 4
days. Individuals that are 49 years old or younger have a fever within
48 hrs and recover from the infection after one month.
Describe the nature of the antigen and antigenic determinants of the
three viruses that play a role in protection of infection and recovery
of disease (or the lack of protection of infection and recovery of
disease.) (Assume that there is only one protein of the virus that is
important on the immunological response to the virus.)
4. Given the importance of T cells in immune responses, why do you
think the thymus involutes at puberty, and how is it that this process
does not compromise the ability to mount immune responses after
puberty? In your answer, provide a brief overview of the normal
function of the thymus, and a brief description of the involution
process (4 marks). I expect to see one or two concise hypotheses about
why involution occurs (2 marks), and a discussion of the evidence to
support or refute the hypotheses (4 marks). Lastly, why is it that
involution, or even surgical removal of the thymus after puberty, has
little effect on the functioning of the immune system (10 marks)?
(maximum 2 pages, 4 pages double spaced, references not included).
5. After many years of focus on T cells, immunologists are recognizing
important functions of B cells other than to produce immunoglobulins.
Specifically, B cells may be important for the
proper development of the spleen, and other lymphoid tissues (page 298
in Janeway). Write a 2 page review (4 pages double spaced, references
not included) on the factors important for the
development of spleen, lymph nodes and Peyer's patches, specifically
discussing the possible role of B cells in the development of the
secondary lymphoid tissues.
