Immune System: Self vs. Non-Self Recognition

Biology Grades High School 14:29 Video
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Lesson Description

Explore how the immune system distinguishes between the body's own cells and foreign invaders, preventing autoimmune reactions.

Video Resource

Self vs. non-self immunity | Immune system physiology | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

khanacademymedicine

Duration: 14:29
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Self vs. Non-self Recognition
  • B Cell and T Cell Development
  • Autoimmunity

Learning Objectives

  • Explain how the immune system distinguishes between self and non-self.
  • Describe the role of B cells and T cells in immune responses.
  • Outline the processes of B cell and T cell maturation in the bone marrow and thymus, respectively.
  • Discuss the mechanisms that prevent autoimmune reactions.
  • Provide an example of an autoimmune disease and its effects.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they know about the immune system. Introduce the central question: How does the body know not to attack itself? Briefly explain the concept of self vs. non-self.
  • Video Viewing (15 mins)
    Play the Khan Academy video: 'Self vs. non-self immunity | Immune system physiology | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy'. Instruct students to take notes on key concepts, especially B cell and T cell development and the processes in the bone marrow and thymus.
  • Discussion and Explanation (15 mins)
    Facilitate a class discussion based on the video. Clarify any confusing points and reinforce key concepts. Focus on the randomness of B and T cell receptor generation, the importance of the bone marrow and thymus, and the consequences of failure (autoimmunity).
  • Activity: Modeling Self/Non-Self Recognition (15 mins)
    Divide students into small groups. Have each group create a simple model (diagram, skit, etc.) illustrating the process of B cell maturation and self/non-self recognition in the bone marrow. They should include the concepts of random receptor generation, self-proteins, and cell death.
  • Wrap-up and Assessment (10 mins)
    Review the main points of the lesson. Administer the multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank quizzes to assess student understanding.

Interactive Exercises

  • Concept Mapping
    Students create a concept map linking key terms like: B cells, T cells, bone marrow, thymus, self-proteins, non-self antigens, apoptosis, autoimmunity.

Discussion Questions

  • Why is it important for the immune system to distinguish between self and non-self?
  • What would happen if the B cell and T cell maturation processes didn't work properly?
  • How does the body ensure that it has immune cells capable of recognizing a wide range of foreign invaders?

Skills Developed

  • Critical Thinking
  • Scientific Modeling
  • Conceptual Understanding

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

The primary function of the immune system is to:

Correct Answer: Fight foreign invaders

Question 2:

B cells mature in the:

Correct Answer: Bone marrow

Question 3:

T cells mature in the:

Correct Answer: Thymus

Question 4:

B cell receptors and antibodies are generated:

Correct Answer: At random

Question 5:

What happens to B cells that react to self-antigens in the bone marrow?

Correct Answer: They are killed

Question 6:

MHC II molecules on B cells are used to:

Correct Answer: Present antigens to T cells

Question 7:

What is the term for a disease in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissues?

Correct Answer: Autoimmune disease

Question 8:

In the thymus, T cells are tested for their ability to:

Correct Answer: Recognize self-antigens

Question 9:

What role do T cells play in activating B cells that may react to self?

Correct Answer: They are required for B cell activation

Question 10:

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease that affects:

Correct Answer: Muscles

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The process of distinguishing between the body's own cells and foreign invaders is called ________ vs. ________ recognition.

Correct Answer: self

Question 2:

__________ are white blood cells that produce antibodies.

Correct Answer: B cells

Question 3:

__________ are another type of white blood cell that helps to activate B cells and regulate immune responses.

Correct Answer: T cells

Question 4:

The organ where B cells mature is the __________.

Correct Answer: bone marrow

Question 5:

The organ where T cells mature is the __________.

Correct Answer: thymus

Question 6:

The molecules on B cells that bind to antigens are called B cell __________.

Correct Answer: receptors

Question 7:

If a B cell reacts to a self-antigen in the bone marrow, it undergoes programmed cell death, also known as __________.

Correct Answer: apoptosis

Question 8:

B cells present antigens to T cells using __________ molecules.

Correct Answer: MHC II

Question 9:

A disease in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissues is called an __________ disease.

Correct Answer: autoimmune

Question 10:

__________ gravis is an autoimmune disease that affects muscle function.

Correct Answer: Myasthenia

Educational Standards

B.LS1.1:Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins, which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells. B.LS1.2:Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms. B.LS1.3:Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the importance of maintaining homeostasis in living organisms.

Teaching Materials

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