BIOL2420 – Microbiology Review: Innate Immunity

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on Innate Immunity, including important immune system components, processes, and functions.

Innate Immune System vs. Adaptive Immune System

The innate immune system is present at birth and responds to pathogens in a non-specific manner, while the adaptive immune system develops over time and targets specific pathogens.

Antigens

Substances that trigger an immune response; they are located on the surface of cells and can also play roles outside the immune system.

Primary Lymphoid Organs

Organs where immune cells are formed and mature, specifically the bone marrow and thymus.

Secondary Lymphoid Organs

Organs where immune responses are initiated, including lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT).

First Line of Defense of Innate Immunity

Consists of physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes, which prevent pathogen entry.

Phagocytosis

The process by which a cell engulfs and digests foreign particles or pathogens.

Myeloid Lineage

The lineage of immune cells that includes granulocytes and monocytes, such as Neutrophils, Eosinophils, Basophils, and Monocytes/Macrophages.

Lymphoid Lineage

The lineage of immune cells that includes T cells, B cells, and Natural Killer cells.

Granulocytes

A type of white blood cell that contains granules in their cytoplasm, including Neutrophils, Eosinophils, and Basophils.

Agranulocytes

A type of white blood cell without granules, including Lymphocytes (T cells and B cells) and Monocytes.

Function of Cytokines

Proteins involved in cell signaling, which can affect the behavior of immune cells and the inflammatory response.

Microbe-Associated Molecular Patterns (MAMPs)

Patterns associated with pathogens that are recognized by the immune system.

Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs)

Markers that indicate tissue damage and can trigger an immune response.

Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs)

Receptors on human cells that detect MAMPs and DAMPs to initiate immune responses.

Complement System

A part of the immune system that enhances the ability to clear microbes and damaged cells; consists of various proteins that can be activated in a cascade.

Cardinal Signs of Inflammation

Signs that include redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function due to inflammation.

Fever

An increase in body temperature that occurs as an immune response; can have both positive effects, like enhancing immune function, and negative effects, like causing discomfort.