The Innate Immune Response

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on the innate immune response, including definitions, functions, and mechanisms involved in immune defense.

Innate Immunity

A non-specific alarm system for pathogens and damaged cells, acting as the first line of defense; responds quickly and dissipates within 2 to 14 days.

Adaptive Immunity

Immunity characterized by a lag time between exposure and peak response, with immunological memory that can last years, depending on the initial insult.

Phagocytosis

The process by which phagocytes engulf and digest material, including pathogens.

Cytokines

Substances secreted by immune cells that bind to receptors and induce changes such as growth, differentiation, movement, and cell death.

Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs)

Receptors on immune cells that recognize molecules from pathogens, leading to cytokine secretion and immune response.

Complement System

A series of proteins that enhance the activities of the adaptive immune system, activated by three pathways to facilitate opsonization, lysis of foreign cells, and inflammatory responses.

Cytokine Storm

An overproduction of cytokines during an immune response that can lead to widespread tissue damage.

Inflammatory Response

The body's response to infection or tissue damage characterized by swelling, redness, heat, and pain, involving the release of inflammatory mediators.

Neutrophils

The first white blood cells recruited to sites of damage, they kill microbes via phagocytosis and can form extracellular traps to catch pathogens.

Fever

A temporary increase in body temperature in response to infection, regulated by the hypothalamus and caused by pyrogens.