Cells and Tissues of

the lymphoid system

Concepts
The immune system consists of cells and tissues
responsible for protecting the host from invading
microbes and self transformed cells.
The protection (immunity) is achieved through the
existence of an several specific and non-specific
cells that respond to antigen-dependent signals.
The protection is further strengthened by the
strategic distribution of specialized organs
throughout the body.
These organs are the
secondary lymphoid organs, which function as
meeting places for antigens and the immune cells
to interact.

Concepts
Immunity is the mechanism of protection.
There are two types of Immunity:
Innate (natural)
Borne with the host
non specific
Has no memory
exposure
Short duration

Adaptive (specific)
Inducable
Specific
Improve on second
Long duration protection

Innate and Adaptive Immune

Responses

The Cellular Players of innate immunity

Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes (PMNs) and Monocytes.
ingest antigens and destroy through powerful intracellular
mechanisms.
PMNs are the first cells to arrive at a site of inflammation.
cells die once antigen is removed.
monocytes enter sites of inflammation later differentiate
into macrophages and enhance antigen clearance.

Natural Killer (NK) Cells

large granular lymphocytes like cells.
recognize target cells through alterations of cells.
kill target cells through cytolytic mechanisms.

Acquired immunity:
Humoral and Cellular Immunity

The Cellular Players

Lymphocytes
express antigen-specific receptors.
mediate effector and regulatory influences.
confer long-term immunological memory.

Lymphatic System

Primary Lymphoid Organs

Sites where cellular components of immunity are generated.
Precursor cells are generated in the fetal liver during prenatal
development.
Precursor cells are generated in the bone marrow postnatally.
B lymphocytes (antibody production) mature exclusively in
the bone marrow.
T lymphocytes (damaged cell recognition) mature in the
thymus.
Natural killer (NK) cells (damaged cell recognition) mature in
the bone marrow.
Myeloid cells (APC precursors) mature in the bone marrow.

Haematopoiesis

Maturation of the Myeloid Cell

Lineage

Lymphocyte Maturation

Structure of the Thymus

Secondary Lymphoid Tissues

Peripheral Lymph Nodes
connected to lymphatic network.
drain peripheral tissues migration of antigen or
APCs into the lymph node.
compartmentalized to optimize antigen lymphocyte
interactions.

Spleen
acts as a filter of antigen from the blood.
the white pulp of the spleen is structurally similar
to peripheral lymph nodes.
also designed to optimize antigen lymphocyte
interactions.

Peripheral Lymph Node Distribution

Peripheral Lymph Node Structure

Peripheral Lymph Node Structure

Peripheral Lymph Node Structure

Peripheral Lymph Node Structure

Spleen Structure

Spleen Structure

Spleen Structure

Spleen Structure

Mucosal-associated
Lymphoid Tissue (MALT)

Mucosal-associated
Lymphoid Tissue (MALT)

Cutaneous-associated
Lymphoid Tissue

Nave Lymphocyte Entry into

Lymph Nodes