Immunity: Innate vs Adaptive Responses

The process by which new genes are created in lymphocytes, primarily in the immune system.

The creation of new immune cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It occurs primarily in the bone marrow.

The first stage of immune response, often non-specific, that acts as a first line of defense against pathogens.

The second stage of an immune response, specifically targeting pathogens after the initial recognition.

A type of immune response mediated by antibodies, primarily produced by B cells.

A type of immune response mediated by T cells, which directly attack infected cells or cancer cells.

Immune cells that are essential for adaptive immune responses, responsible for producing antibodies.

Immune cells responsible for cellular immunity, directly attacking infected cells or cancer cells.

Innate immunity is a quick and general defense, while adaptive immunity is a slower but highly specific and long-lasting response.

The innate immune response always occurs first, initiating the immune defense, and is then followed by the adaptive response.

Both innate and adaptive immunity are interconnected and work together to provide comprehensive immune protection.

Innate immunity does not learn or adapt to specific pathogens, while adaptive immunity learns from each encounter and improves its response.

The innate immunity response occurs at the same speed and intensity each time it encounters a pathogen.

The adaptive immunity response becomes faster and stronger with each repeated exposure to the same pathogen.

The adaptive immune system depends on the innate immune response for recognition and activation.

Organisms with simpler immune systems have primarily innate immunity, while more complex organisms have both innate and adaptive immunity.

Specialized immune cells with granules containing histamine, which cause blood vessels to expand, leading to redness and swelling. Found in tissues like skin, lungs, and digestive tract. They play a crucial role in allergic reactions, releasing histamine to trigger sneezing and runny nose.

White blood cells containing many granules and located primarily in tissues, not in blood. They release histamine, a chemical that causes blood vessel dilation and inflammation.

White blood cells with numerous granules that stain bright pink with eosin dye. Primarily involved in parasite defense, and they also play a role in allergic reactions.

White blood cells with granules that stain intensely with basic dyes. Involved in allergic reactions and inflammatory responses.

The most abundant type of white blood cell, accounting for 50-70% of circulating leukocytes. They have a short lifespan, play a critical role in the early stages of infection, and rapidly move towards sites of inflammation.

The process by which neutrophils release a network of DNA fibers called neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) to trap and kill pathogens.

A type of immune cell that acts as a professional phagocyte (cell eater). Found in tissues, they constantly sample their environment, recognizing and engulfing pathogens and cellular debris.

White blood cells that circulate in the blood and can differentiate into macrophages upon entering tissues. They are phagocytic and play a role in tissue remodeling.

Large phagocytic cells derived from monocytes. They reside in tissues and perform specialized functions based on their location. They effectively engulf and destroy pathogens, cellular debris, and contribute to tissue remodeling.

The process where a cell engulfs and internalizes particles, such as pathogens or debris. It's a key mechanism of defense employed by phagocytic cells.

A membrane-bound compartment within a phagocytic cell containing engulfed particles, fused with lysosomes for the degradation of the captured material.

The array of antimicrobial mechanisms within a phagolysosome, such as low pH, reactive oxygen species (ROS), enzymes like myeloperoxidase (MPO), and defensins, that work together to destroy ingested pathogens.

Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are receptors found on immune cells that recognize and bind to specific molecular patterns on pathogens or damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). These interactions activate immune responses.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive molecules, such as superoxide (O2-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), produced by phagocytes during the respiratory burst. They have antimicrobial properties and contribute to the killing of pathogens.

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is an enzyme found in neutrophils and other phagocytic cells. It utilizes hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to generate hypochlorous acid (HOCl), a potent bactericidal agent. MPO contributes to the killing of ingested pathogens.