C17L6 Innate Immunity

Innate Immune System

the ability of the immune system to respond to unknown threats

Pathogen

foreign invaders that are capable of causing disease

Inflammation

The immediate immune response to injury or infection characterized by an influx of blood plasma and immune cells to a localized area.

Neutrophils

Quick-response immune cells that are the first to arrive at an injured site, recognizing and destroying bacteria through phagocytosis.

Neutrophils

quick-response immune cells that recognize and destroy bacteria

Phagocytosis

The process by which a cell engulfs, destroys, and digests another cell, bacteria, or cellular debris.

Macrophages

Larger immune cells that live longer than neutrophils and act as a clean-up crew by phagocytizing leftover debris, bacteria, and dead cells after infection.

Complement

A group of serum proteins that mark and destroy foreign microorganisms by forming membrane attack complexes.

Membrane Attack Complex

A structure created by complement proteins that forms holes in the plasma membrane of target cells, leading to their destruction.

Natural Killer Cells (NK Cells)

Immune cells that kill cells not expressing MHC 1 molecules on their surface, including virus-infected and cancerous cells.

Eosinophils

Immune cells that attack multicellular parasites and help to suppress the inflammatory response by releasing enzymes.

MHC 1 Molecule

A molecule expressed on normal cells that natural killer cells check for to determine if a cell is healthy or abnormal.

Histamine

An inflammatory signaling molecule that dilates blood vessels and increases their permeability, allowing immune cells to exit the bloodstream.

Cardinal Signs of Inflammation

The five signs that describe an inflammatory response, which include redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function.