different types of cells

Monocytes

Circulate in blood until they leave the bloodstream. Once they enter tissues, they can become macrophages or dendritic cells.

Macrophages

Tissue phagocytes. Detects pathogens using pattern recognition receptors. Destroy pathogens. Clean up dead cells, apoptotic cells, and debris.Can act as antigen-presenting cells.

Dendritic cell

Detects pathogens.Phagocytose material. Present antigens to adaptive immune cells.Important bridge between innate and adaptive immunity.

Common feature

all come from the same general blood cell lineage and can be involved in phagocytosis and antigen presentation.

neutrophils

Very important early responders. Phagocytic. Swallow pathogens.Secrete lactoferrin, which binds iron and makes it harder for bacteria to access iron

Eosinophils

Destroy parasitic worms.Release enzymes that damage worms.Also involved in allergies and responses to molds/allergens.

Basophils

Granulocytes. Involved in inflammation and allergic responses.

Natural Killer (NK) cells

They are lymphocytes that quickly destroy abnormal body cells without needing prior exposure or memory.