The Immune System_20250215123242216 (1)

Innate Immunity

The body’s first line of defense providing immediate, nonspecific protection.

Adaptive Immunity

A specific, learned immune response developed after exposure to antigens with memory for future protection.

Anatomical Barriers

Physical defenses, such as skin and mucous membranes, that prevent pathogen entry.

Phagocytic Cells

Immune cells such as macrophages and neutrophils that engulf and destroy foreign microbes.

Natural Killer Cells

Lymphocytes that attack virus-infected and cancerous cells.

Complement System

A group of proteins that enhance immune responses.

Cytokines

Proteins that modulate immune cell activity and regulate immune responses.

Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-alpha

A cytokine that promotes inflammation and immune signaling.

Interleukins (ILs)

Cytokines that mediate communication between immune cells.

T Lymphocytes (T Cells)

Immune cells involved in cell-mediated immunity, targeting infected cells.

B Lymphocytes (B Cells)

Immune cells that produce antibodies and form memory cells for immunity.

Immunoglobulins (Igs)

Antibodies produced by B cells to neutralize pathogens.

IgM

The first responder antibody during an infection.

IgG

The most abundant antibody that provides long-term immunity.

IgA

An antibody found in mucosal secretions such as saliva and tears.

IgE

An antibody involved in allergic reactions.

IgD

An antibody that plays a minor role in immune activation.

Cell-Mediated Immunity

An immune response involving T cells directly attacking infected cells.

Humoral Immunity

An immune response involving B cells and the production of antibodies.

Antigen-Presenting Cells (APCs)

Cells that capture and present antigens to T cells to activate them.

Primary Immune Response

The initial slow immune response that occurs during first encounter with an antigen.

Secondary Immune Response

A faster, stronger immune reaction triggered by future exposures to the same antigen.

Active Acquired Immunity

Immunity developed naturally through infections or vaccinations.

Passive Acquired Immunity

Immunity gained through premade antibodies, providing immediate but short-term protection.

Live Attenuated Vaccines

Vaccines containing weakened but live microbes.

Inactivated Vaccines

Vaccines that use killed microbes to stimulate immunity.

mRNA Vaccines

Vaccines that instruct cells to produce an antigen for immune response.

Toxoid Vaccines

Vaccines containing inactivated toxins to provoke an immune response.

Anergy Panel

A test that measures immune responsiveness to common antigens.

Antibody Titers

Tests that measure levels of IgM and IgG to assess immune status.

Immunodeficiency Disorders

Conditions that weaken the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections.

Autoimmune Disorders

Conditions where the immune system attacks the body’s own cells.

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Exaggerated immune responses, ranging from allergies to anaphylaxis.

Transplant Rejection

The immune system rejecting foreign tissue that requires immunosuppressive therapy.

Inflammatory Response

A defense mechanism triggered when pathogens bypass innate barriers, involving white blood cells.

Adaptive Immunity Memory

The ability of the immune system to remember previous encounters with antigens for faster response.

Vaccination

The process of stimulating adaptive immunity to recognize and remember pathogens.

Immunoglobulin Production

The process by which activated B cells differentiate into plasma cells and produce antibodies.

Immune System Function

A highly specialized network protecting against infections, disease, and foreign invaders.