Microbiology: Basic and Clinical Principles - Innate Immunity

A set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to innate immunity as discussed in the lecture.

Innate Immunity

Inborn, ancient protection existing in various forms in all eukaryotic organisms; offers generalized, nonspecific responses to pathogens.

Adaptive Immunity

Develops only in vertebrate animals; matures over time, offers tailored responses to specific pathogens, typically requiring several days to activate.

First-Line Defenses

Barriers that attempt to prevent pathogen entry; include mechanical, chemical, and physical barriers.

Hygiene Hypothesis

Suggests that lower microbial diversity in early life may negatively impact immune responses and contribute to allergies and autoimmune disorders.

Cytokines

Signaling proteins that allow cells to communicate with each other, initiating and coordinating immune actions.

Phagocytosis

The process by which certain immune cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils, engulf and digest pathogens.

Leukocytes

White blood cells that are essential for the immune response; classified into granulocytes and agranulocytes.

Granulocytes

A type of leukocyte characterized by the presence of granules in their cytoplasm; includes neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.

Iron-Binding Proteins

Proteins that bind free iron in the body to limit its availability for bacteria and other pathogens.

Complement System

A system of over 30 proteins that enhance the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear pathogens from an organism.

Eicosanoids

Vasoactive signaling molecules that promote inflammation and can induce fever during an immune response.

Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs)

Small proteins that can directly target and destroy a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Neutrophils

The most abundant type of white blood cell that acts as a first responder to sites of infection and inflammation, primarily targeting bacteria.

Macrophages

Highly phagocytic cells that destroy pathogens and clean up debris; can reside in tissues or move throughout the body.

Dendritic Cells

Phagocytic cells found in most tissues that capture antigens and present them to T cells, linking innate and adaptive immunity.

Inflammation

A protective response that involves the immune system and forms part of the innate immune response to injury or infection.

Fever

An increase in body temperature that is a systemic response to infection; mediated by pyrogens that signal the hypothalamus.

Lymph Nodes

Filtering sites for lymph that cluster leukocytes to respond to pathogens and mount an immune response.

Antipyretic

Fever-reducing medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, that work by limiting prostaglandin production in the hypothalamus.