Immune System

Pathogens

Microorganisms that cause diseases, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protists.

Innate Immunity

The non-specific immune response that is fast and does not involve memory.

Adaptive Immunity

The specific immune response that is slower initially and builds memory through B- and T-lymphocytes.

Phagocytes

White blood cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages, that engulf and digest pathogens.

B-lymphocytes

A type of lymphocyte that produces antibodies and can become memory cells.

Antigens

Molecules, typically glycoproteins, that trigger an immune response when recognized as non-self.

Helper T-lymphocytes

Cells that assist in activating B-lymphocytes for antibody production.

Monoclonal Antibodies

Identical antibodies produced by cloned B-cells specific to a single antigen.

Herd Immunity

A form of indirect protection from infectious disease that occurs when a large percentage of a population becomes immune.

Zoonoses

Diseases transmitted from animals to humans, such as tuberculosis and rabies.

Antibiotics

Medicines that target bacterial cell structures but do not affect viruses.

Bacterial Resistance

The ability of bacteria to survive and multiply despite antibiotic treatment.

HIV Transmission

HIV spreads through unprotected sexual contact, contaminated blood, and from mother to child.

Vaccines

Preparations that stimulate adaptive immunity without causing illness.

Lymphocytes

White blood cells that are part of the adaptive immune system, including B-cells and T-cells.

Blood Clotting

The process by which platelets and proteins in blood form a clot to seal cuts.

Mucous Membranes

Tissues that trap pathogens and secrete enzymes like lysozyme to aid in defense.

COVID-19 pandemic data evaluation

Calculating percentage changes and differences to interpret real data related to the pandemic.

Memory Cells

Long-lived immune cells that enhance the response to previously encountered pathogens.