Immune System

Chemokines

A type of cytokines released by infected cells to initiate an immune response and warn neighboring cells.

Innate Immune System

Defenses against infection activated immediately once a pathogen attacks, consisting of barriers and general immune responses.

Phagocytosis

The process by which phagocytes engulf and destroy potential threats like bacteria and viruses.

Macrophages

Efficient phagocytic cells that can leave the circulatory system to hunt pathogens and release cytokines.

Mast Cells

Cells found in mucous membranes that release cytokines and granules to create an inflammatory response.

Neutrophils

Phagocytic granulocytes that are the first cells to arrive at an infection site, effective against bacteria and fungi.

Eosinophils

Granulocytes that target multicellular parasites and regulate allergic reactions.

Basophils

Granulocytes that release histamine and are involved in allergic responses.

Natural Killer Cells

Cells that destroy infected host cells instead of attacking pathogens directly.

Dendritic Cells

Antigen-presenting cells located in tissues, that act as messengers between the innate and adaptive immune systems.

Complement System

A mechanism that complements the immune response, facilitating opsonization, chemotaxis, cell lysis, and agglutination.

Opsonization

The process of marking foreign particles for phagocytosis.

Chemotaxis

The movement of immune cells towards a chemical signal indicating an infection.

Agglutination

The clustering and binding of pathogens together to facilitate their destruction by immune cells.

B cells

Immune cells that mature in the bone marrow and produce antibodies upon encountering an antigen.

Plasma Cells

Effector B cells that secrete antibodies to identify free pathogens in the body.

Memory B Cells

B cells that provide long-lasting immunity by memorizing antigens they have encountered.

T cells

Immune cells that mature in the thymus and play a key role in cell-mediated immunity.

Helper T Cells (T_H cells)

T cells that activate other immune cells, including B cells and Cytotoxic T cells.

Cytotoxic T Cells (T_C cells)

T cells responsible for removing pathogens and infected host cells.

T Regulatory Cells (T_reg cells)

T cells that help distinguish between self and non-self molecules to prevent autoimmune disease.

Humoral Immunity

Immunity provided by serum antibodies produced by plasma cells.

Cell-mediated Immunity

Immunity carried out by T cells against pathogens.

Immunological Memory

The ability of the immune system to remember specific pathogens for long-lasting defense.

Vaccination

An exposure to a virus or its components to trigger an immune response without causing illness.

Molecular Mimicry

A phenomenon where an infectious pathogen mimics a self-antigen, potentially leading to autoimmune disease.