Innate Immunity Flashcards

Flashcards based on lecture notes about innate immunity.

Antimicrobial Peptides (Defensins)

Small series of peptides that are usually cationic and disrupt bacterial membranes.

Stratified Squamous Epithelium

Epithelium composed of multiple layers of cells, providing a strong physical barrier.

Cilia

Hair-like molecules that help move mucus and trap pathogens.

Cationic Peptides

Small, positively charged peptides that disrupt microbial membranes.

Alpha Defensins

Specialized defensins produced directly by immune cells.

Beta Defensins

Defensins generally secreted and produced by mucosal epithelial cells.

Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs)

Membrane-bound receptors that recognize pathogens and activate immune responses.

Nod-Like Receptors (NLRs)

Free-floating receptors in the cytosol that detect pathogens and activate immune responses.

TIR Domain

The signaling domain of Toll-like receptors that activates cytosolic signaling.

RIP2

The central adaptor molecule in the NOD-like receptor pathway.

NF kappa B

Transcription factor activated by both TLRs and NLRs, leading to cytokine production and receptor upregulation.