BCMB230-Immune System Ch.14

Unit 3

Viruses

non-living pathogens. Psckets of proteins and sugars that contain genetic material.

Immune system function

protect against disease-causing agents called pathogens

Innate immunity

inherited, non-specific

adaptive immunity

learned from exposure to specific pathogens. It is specific, meaning the white blood cells and antibodies target specific antibodies.

what is the function of the complement system

integrates the innate and adaptive immune responses

what does the complement system consist of?

proteins floating in the plasma as well as other bodily fluids that become activated when antibodies bind to their specific antigens

what do complement proteins do?

promote phagocytosis, local inflammation and lysis of target cells

what are the barriers of the innate immunity?

chemical

physical

Chemical barriers

antimicrobial peptides and the acidity in the stomach

physical barriers

the skin and mucous membranes

what can phagocytes do?

engulf or kill pathogens

how is the innate immune system activated?

when the body recognizes something foreign

how does the innate immune system recognize foreign things?

by distinguishing “self” from “non-self” by using pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs)

Examples of PAMPs

lipopolysaccharides and peptidoglycan