The Innate Immune Response

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the innate immune response, as outlined in the lecture notes.

Innate Immunity

Non-specific first line of defense against pathogens, involving immediate and rapid response.

Adaptive Immunity

Specific immune response that takes days to develop and has immunological memory.

Macrophage

A type of white blood cell that engulfs and digests cellular debris and pathogens.

Dendritic Cell

A type of antigen-presenting cell that processes antigen material and presents it to T-cells.

Phagocytosis

The process by which a cell engulfs solid particles, such as pathogens and debris.

Cytokines

Substances secreted by immune cells that mediate and regulate immunity and inflammation.

Complement System

A system of proteins that enhances the ability of antibodies and phagocytes to clear pathogens.

Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs)

Receptors on immune cells that recognize patterns associated with pathogens, leading to immune activation.

Neutrophils

A type of white blood cell important in fighting infections, primarily through phagocytosis.

Inflammation

A localized physical condition characterized by redness, warmth, swelling, and pain as a response to injury or infection.