Infectious Disease

B-cell

Lymphocyte that matures in the bone marrow and differentiates into antibody-secreting plasma cells

Cytokine

Chemical messenger that regulates cell differentiation, proliferation, gene expression and cell trafficking to effect immune responses

Inflammation

Localised redness, swelling, heat and pain that results from the movement of leukocytes and fluid through opened capillaries to a site of infection

Innate immunity

Immunity that occurs naturally because of genetic factors or physiology and is not influenced by infection or vaccination

Lymphocyte

a type of white blood cell that is crucial for the immune system. B and T cells

Macrophage

large phagocytic cell that engulfs foreign particles and pathogens

Mast Cell

leukocyte that produces inflammatory molecules, such as histamine, in response to large pathogens and allergens

Natural killer (NK) cell

lymphocyte that can kill cells infected with viruses or tumor cells

neutrophil

phagocytic leukocyte that engulfs and digests pathogens

T-cell

lymphocyte that matures in the thymus gland; one of the main cells involved in the adaptive immune system