Host Defenses and Immune Response

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary terms and concepts related to host defenses and the immune response.

Innate Immunity

The immune system response present from birth that does not change from first exposure to subsequent exposures, with no memory produced.

Adaptive Immunity

The immune response that must be acquired over time, characterized by faster and stronger responses to subsequent exposures and the ability to produce memory.

Cytokines

Chemical messengers involved in regulating immune responses, such as growth and differentiation of leukocytes, inflammation, and pathogen resistance.

Phagocytes

Cells that remove debris and pathogens from the body.

Natural Killer Cells

A type of lymphocyte that destroys abnormal cells.

Inflammatory Response

A protective response characterized by increased blood flow, activated phagocytes, and heightened capillary permeability, among other effects.

Complement System

A group of proteins that work to break down cell walls, attract phagocytes, and stimulate inflammation.

Fever

A response that mobilizes defenses, accelerates repairs, and inhibits pathogens by raising body temperature.

Opsonization

The process by which opsonins coat pathogens to enhance phagocytosis.

Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRR)

Molecules expressed on immune cells that recognize specific patterns associated with pathogens.

C3b

A fragment of the complement protein that acts as an opsonin, enhancing phagocytosis.

Interferons

Proteins released by cells in response to viral infection that help to increase resistance of neighboring cells to infection.

Chemotaxis

The movement of phagocytes toward the site of infection in response to chemical signals.

Prostaglandins

Lipid compounds that mediate inflammation and play roles in regulating blood flow and the immune response.

Cytokine Storm

An overproduction of immune signaling molecules, often leading to excessive inflammation and potential damage to host tissues.