Question 1

What is the Meaning of Activation-Induced Deaminase?

Accepted Answer

Activation-Induced Deaminase, or AID, is a DNA-editing enzyme found primarily in B lymphocytes. It deaminates cytosine bases within DNA to uracil. This targeted modification is a critical initiating step for subsequent genetic alterations within immunoglobulin genes, essential for adaptive immunity.

Question 2

What is the Context of Activation-Induced Deaminase?

Accepted Answer

This enzyme operates predominantly within the germinal centers of secondary lymphoid organs. Here, B lymphocytes undergo rapid proliferation and differentiation. AID's activity is essential for somatic hypermutation and class switch recombination, fundamental processes for a robust adaptive immune response.

Question 3

What is the Significance of Activation-Induced Deaminase?

Accepted Answer

AID holds significant clinical importance, as its proper function is indispensable for the body's ability to generate diverse, effective antibodies against pathogens. Genetic deficiencies in AID often cause Hyper-IgM syndrome type 2, a severe immunodeficiency. Conversely, dysregulation of AID can contribute to B cell lymphomas.

Question 4

What is the Mechanism of Activation-Induced Deaminase?

Accepted Answer

At a molecular level, AID targets cytosine residues within single-stranded DNA, particularly in immunoglobulin variable and switch regions. The deamination event results in a uracil-guanine mismatch. This altered base is then recognized by DNA repair machinery, which subsequently introduces mutations or double-strand breaks for class switch recombination.

Question 5

What is the Application of Activation-Induced Deaminase?

Accepted Answer

Understanding Activation-Induced Deaminase's function is vital for advancements in immunology, particularly in antibody diversification and B cell development studies. Its mechanisms are investigated for potential therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating immune responses or addressing lymphoid malignancies. Knowledge of AID's role helps clinicians understand certain immunodeficiencies and B cell cancers.

Question 6

What is the Metric of Activation-Induced Deaminase?

Accepted Answer

Direct clinical measurement of Activation-Induced Deaminase activity is not a standard diagnostic practice. Its functional integrity is typically inferred through assessment of antibody class distribution or genetic analysis of immunoglobulin gene rearrangements. For suspected AID deficiency, genetic sequencing of the AICDA gene provides definitive diagnostic confirmation.

Question 7

What is the Risk of Activation-Induced Deaminase?

Accepted Answer

Insufficient or non-functional Activation-Induced Deaminase leads to a compromised immune system, as seen in Hyper-IgM syndrome type 2, increasing patient vulnerability to opportunistic infections. Conversely, unchecked or aberrant AID activity poses a substantial risk for genomic instability. This uncontrolled activity can drive oncogenic mutations and chromosomal translocations, contributing to B cell lymphoma progression.

Activation-Induced Deaminase

Meaning

Context

Significance

Mechanism

Application

Metric

Risk

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