Innate Immune Responses - Part II

Flashcards summarizing key concepts related to the Innate Immune Responses, focusing on definitions and processes involved in inflammation and immune cell behavior.

Innate Immunity

The immediate immune response that acts to remove pathogens without the development of disease.

Inflammation

A physiological response to physical or chemical insult or infection that causes tissue damage.

Acute Inflammation

A short-duration inflammatory response that is the initial reaction to an infectious agent.

Chronic Inflammation

A long-duration inflammatory response characterized by activated macrophages and T cells, often causing tissue destruction.

Pro-inflammatory Cytokines

Cytokines like TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6 that promote the inflammatory response.

Phagocytosis

The process by which phagocytic cells engulf and digest pathogens.

Phagosome

A membrane-bound vesicle containing engulfed pathogens within phagocytic cells.

Phagolysosome

A structure formed by the fusion of a phagosome with lysosomes, where pathogens are degraded.

Extravasation

The process by which leukocytes move out of blood vessels into infected tissues.

PAMPs (Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns)

Molecular patterns on pathogens recognized as foreign by the innate immune system.

PRRs (Pattern Recognition Receptors)

Receptors on innate immune cells that detect PAMPs and initiate an immune response.

CXCL8 (IL-8)

A chemokine that attracts phagocytic cells to the site of infection.

Clotting Mechanisms

Processes activated to prevent blood loss and wall off the site of infection.

Pus

A mixture of dead and live cells, bacteria, and fluid that accumulates at the site of infection.