Innate Host Resistance and Adaptive Immunity

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to the immune system, focusing on innate host resistance and adaptive immunity.

Innate Immunity

Non-specific, natural defenses that are always active, including barriers like skin and mucus.

Adaptive Immunity

Specific, acquired response characterized by antibody production and requiring stimulation for each new invader.

Phagocytosis

The process of engulfing and digesting pathogens by phagocytic cells.

Inflammation

The bodily response to tissue damage or infection, involving immune cell recruitment and increased blood flow.

Antigen

Substances that provoke an immune response, typically foreign proteins or polysaccharides.

Complement System

A group of plasma proteins that enhances phagocytosis and lyses pathogens.

Neutrophils

A type of leukocyte that is a key component of the innate immune response and is involved in phagocytosis.

Lactoferrin

A protein that sequesters iron away from microbes, found in breast milk and secretions.

Opsonization

The process by which pathogens are marked for ingestion and destruction by phagocytes.

T-Cell Receptors

Molecules on the surface of T cells that recognize and bind to specific antigens presented by MHC.

MHC Class I

Major Histocompatibility Complex molecules found on all nucleated cells presenting endogenous antigens to CD8+ T cells.

MHC Class II

Major Histocompatibility Complex molecules found on certain immune cells presenting exogenous antigens to CD4+ T cells.

Cytokines

Proteins secreted by immune cells that affect the behavior of other cells, facilitating communication in the immune response.

Antibody Structure

Composed of polypeptide chains; key structures include Fab and Fc regions crucial for antigen recognition.

B cells

Lymphocytes responsible for producing antibodies and mediating humoral immunity.

T cells

Lymphocytes involved in cell-mediated immunity, including helper (CD4+) and cytotoxic (CD8+) T cells.