clinical immunologist Interview Questions and Answers

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100 Clinical Immunologist Interview Questions & Answers

  1. What is the difference between innate and adaptive immunity?

    • Answer: Innate immunity is the non-specific, immediate response to pathogens, involving physical barriers, phagocytes, and complement. Adaptive immunity is specific, slower to develop, and involves lymphocytes (B and T cells) creating immunological memory.

  2. Explain the role of MHC molecules in antigen presentation.

    • Answer: MHC molecules (major histocompatibility complex) are cell surface proteins that bind and present antigens to T cells. MHC class I presents intracellular antigens to cytotoxic T cells, while MHC class II presents extracellular antigens to helper T cells.

  3. Describe the different types of T lymphocytes and their functions.

    • Answer: Helper T cells (Th) activate other immune cells. Cytotoxic T cells (Tc) kill infected cells. Regulatory T cells (Treg) suppress immune responses. Memory T cells provide long-lasting immunity.

  4. What are B lymphocytes and how do they contribute to humoral immunity?

    • Answer: B lymphocytes are responsible for humoral immunity, producing antibodies that neutralize pathogens and mark them for destruction. They differentiate into plasma cells (antibody factories) and memory B cells.

  5. Explain the process of antibody production.

    • Answer: B cells encounter an antigen, internalize it, and present it on MHC II to helper T cells. Activated helper T cells release cytokines, stimulating B cell proliferation and differentiation into plasma cells, which secrete antibodies specific to the antigen.

  6. What are the different classes of immunoglobulins (antibodies) and their functions?

    • Answer: IgG: major antibody in serum, provides long-term immunity. IgM: first antibody produced, activates complement. IgA: found in secretions (mucus, saliva), protects mucosal surfaces. IgE: involved in allergic reactions and parasite defense. IgD: function less well understood, may be involved in B cell activation.

  7. Describe the complement system and its role in immunity.

    • Answer: The complement system is a group of proteins that enhance antibody function, leading to opsonization (enhancing phagocytosis), chemotaxis (attracting immune cells), and lysis of pathogens.

  8. What are cytokines and chemokines, and what are their roles in inflammation?

    • Answer: Cytokines are signaling molecules that regulate immune responses. Chemokines are a subset of cytokines that attract immune cells to the site of inflammation. They both play crucial roles in the inflammatory process.

  9. Explain the process of phagocytosis.

    • Answer: Phagocytosis is the process by which phagocytes (e.g., macrophages, neutrophils) engulf and destroy pathogens or cellular debris. It involves chemotaxis, recognition, engulfment, and destruction via enzymes and reactive oxygen species.

  10. What are the different types of hypersensitivity reactions?

    • Answer: Type I: IgE-mediated (allergies). Type II: antibody-mediated (autoimmune hemolytic anemia). Type III: immune complex-mediated (serum sickness). Type IV: delayed-type hypersensitivity (contact dermatitis).

  11. Explain the concept of autoimmunity.

    • Answer: Autoimmunity is a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. This can result in various autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and type 1 diabetes.

  12. What are immunodeficiencies? Give examples.

    • Answer: Immunodeficiencies are conditions where the immune system is impaired, increasing susceptibility to infections. Examples include SCID (severe combined immunodeficiency), HIV/AIDS, and common variable immunodeficiency.

  13. Describe the role of the immune system in cancer surveillance.

    • Answer: The immune system plays a crucial role in recognizing and eliminating cancer cells. Immune cells, such as cytotoxic T lymphocytes and NK cells, can kill tumor cells. However, cancer cells can evade immune surveillance.

  14. Explain the principles of vaccination.

    • Answer: Vaccination introduces a weakened or inactive form of a pathogen to stimulate an immune response, generating immunological memory and protection against future infection.

  15. What are some common diagnostic tests used in clinical immunology?

    • Answer: Complete blood count (CBC), antibody titers, complement levels, immunofluorescence, ELISA, flow cytometry, skin tests.

  16. What are the ethical considerations in clinical immunology?

    • Answer: Informed consent, patient confidentiality, appropriate use of immunotherapies, equitable access to treatment, avoiding harm.

  17. How does the gut microbiota influence the immune system?

    • Answer: The gut microbiota plays a significant role in immune development and homeostasis. It helps educate the immune system, preventing autoimmune diseases and promoting tolerance. Dysbiosis (imbalance) can contribute to inflammation and disease.

  18. Explain the role of immunology in transplantation.

    • Answer: Immunology is crucial in transplantation, addressing the risk of rejection. Immunosuppressive drugs and tissue typing (HLA matching) are used to minimize rejection.

  19. Describe the emerging field of immunotherapy for cancer.

    • Answer: Immunotherapy harnesses the power of the immune system to fight cancer. Approaches include checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapy, and cancer vaccines.

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