NON-SPECIFIC HOST DEFENSE

First line of defense

Includes the skin and mucous membranes that protect the body from pathogens.

Lysozyme

An enzyme that destroys peptidoglycan in bacterial cells.

Lactoferrin

A protein that binds iron, depriving pathogens of this essential nutrient.

Phagocytosis

The process by which phagocytes surround and ingest foreign materials.

Pyogen

A substance that stimulates the production of fever.

Transferrin

A protein that requests iron and deprives pathogens of this essential nutrient.

Cardinal signs of inflammation

Redness, heat, swelling, and pain associated with inflammation.

Chemotaxis

The attraction of phagocytes to the site of infection.

Acute phase proteins

Proteins that increase rapidly in response to infection, inflammation, or tissue injury.

Microbial antagonism

The ability of normal flora to prevent the colonization of pathogens.

Cytokines

Chemical messengers that facilitate communication between the immune system and other body systems.

Phagocytes

White blood cells that engulf and digest cellular debris and pathogens.