Innate Immunity and Inflammation Review

A collection of flashcards designed to facilitate review of key concepts in innate immunity and inflammation based on lecture notes.

What is the first line of defense in the immune system?

Skin and mucous membranes.

What are the primary lymphoid organs?

Bone marrow and thymus gland.

What type of cells do B cells differentiate into?

Antibody-producing cells and memory cells.

What is the function of T cells?

Kill virus-infected cells and regulate activities of other white blood cells.

What are the five cardinal manifestations of inflammation?

Redness, swelling, heat, pain, loss of function.

What kind of immunity requires no previous exposure to respond to an antigen?

Innate immunity.

Which cells are responsible for capturing and presenting antigens in the mononuclear phagocyte system?

Dendritic cells.

What happens during the inflammatory response?

It neutralizes and destroys harmful agents, limits their spread, and prepares tissue for repair.

What is the role of macrophages in the immune response?

They are powerful phagocytes that clean up debris and communicate with other immune cells.

What mechanical factor aids in the immune system's ability to trap airborne particles?

Ciliated epithelial cells.

What are chemokines?

Chemical mediators that stimulate chemotaxis of leukocytes.

What causes systemic involvement in inflammation?

Fever, neutrophilia, and acute phase proteins like C-reactive protein.

What is the main difference between acute and chronic inflammation?

Acute inflammation is short-term, while chronic inflammation lasts longer and can lead to scar tissue.

What does IL-1 promote in the body?

Inflammation.

What are the effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)?

Promotes inflammation and supports immune responses.

What is the function of interferons in the immune system?

They have antiviral effects and promote an immune response.