Microbiome and Innate Immunity

These flashcards cover key terms related to the human microbiome and innate immunity.

Microbiome

The total community of microbes associated with an organism or defined habitat.

Dysbiosis

An imbalance in the microbiome composition that can lead to disease.

Innate Immunity

Nonspecific mechanisms to guard against pathogens; present before encountering microbes.

Opportunistic Pathogens

Organisms that are normally not pathogenic but can cause infections in a compromised host.

Phagocytosis

The process by which certain cells engulf and digest microbes.

Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs)

Receptors that recognize microbial patterns and activate immune responses.

Extravasation

The movement of immune cells out of blood vessels and into infected tissue.

Chemical Barriers

Substances like stomach acid and lysozymes that protect the body from pathogens.

Antigen-Presenting Cells

Cells like macrophages and dendritic cells that present antigens to trigger immune responses.

MAMPs

Microbe-associated molecular patterns recognized by the immune system.