Inflammation and Immune Defense Mechanisms

The first line of defense against pathogens. It includes physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes, as well as the normal microbiota.

The second line of defense, activated quickly after the first line is breached. It involves inflammation and the activity of innate immunity.

The third line of defense, found only in vertebrates. It is a highly specific and adaptive immune response.

A process that involves the activation of defense mechanisms and repair mechanisms to restore homeostasis after tissue damage or infection.

Specialized cells of the immune system that are involved in sensing tissue damage or microbial moieties. These cells initiate and regulate the inflammatory response.

Cells that are not typically involved in immune responses, but can also contribute to activating inflammation when they encounter tissue damage or infection.

Receptors that activate an inflammatory response by triggering the transcription of genes associated with inflammation, such as cytokines, interferons, and acute phase proteins.

Soluble molecules, like cytokines, that can be used as markers for the inflammatory process. They play a role in activating the immune response. Some act locally, others at a systemic level.

A network of signaling molecules (cytokines) that amplifies and regulates the inflammatory response. They are key players in the inflammatory cascade.

A cytokine produced by various stimuli like microbial moieties, tissue damage, or changes in metabolism. It regulates both local and systemic inflammation.

A cytokine produced by the liver that stimulates the production of acute phase proteins, amplifying the systemic response to inflammation.

Proteins produced by the liver during inflammation, usually in response to IL-6. They amplify and regulate the inflammatory response, and some have additional roles in tissue repair and immune function.

An ancient test that measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a tube. It's often used in developing countries due to its low cost and simplicity.

A commonly used marker for inflammation. It is a pentameric protein produced by the liver in response to IL-6. It opsonizes microbes, dead cells, and damaged tissue, promoting their clearance by phagocytes.

A high sensitivity version of the C-reactive protein test that can detect very small levels of CRP in the blood. It's especially useful in identifying subtle inflammation associated with cardiovascular disease.

A peptide produced by the thyroid gland that is involved in calcium homeostasis. During inflammation, other cell types may produce it, making it a valuable marker for bacterial infections.

An inflammatory condition that affects the circulatory system, often triggered by bacterial infections. It can lead to organ dysfunction and even death. PCT is often used to help diagnose and monitor sepsis.

A member of the pentraxin family, similar to CRP but produced by a wider range of cells. It binds to microbes and damaged tissue, plays a role in innate immunity, and is a valuable biomarker for inflammatory conditions, including cardiovascular disorders and sepsis.

An enzyme involved in anaerobic metabolism, converting pyruvate to lactate. Its levels increase when there is tissue damage or cell death, making it a useful marker for various conditions, including muscle injury, heart attack, and infection.

The process by which the body eliminates iron from microbes, competing for the iron needed for microbial growth. During inflammation, the body produces proteins that bind to iron, reducing its availability to microbes.

A protein that stores iron inside cells. It's useful for diagnosing iron deficiency, iron overload, and as a marker of inflammation because it's an acute phase protein.

A protein that functions as the major iron transporter in the blood. It's downregulated during inflammation, as the body needs less iron to be transported in these conditions.

A protein involved in blood clotting, produced by the liver during inflammation. It forms an insoluble clot essential in tissue repair, but it can also contribute to thrombotic disorders.

A soluble fragment of fibrinogen that is present in the blood during inflammation. It's used as a marker for conditions associated with excessive clotting, such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

A protein found in the extracellular matrix, which is involved in tissue repair and wound healing. It's produced during inflammation and helps to form a provisional matrix that supports tissue regeneration.

A protein produced by the liver that inhibits the activity of certain enzymes, reducing tissue damage and protecting the body during inflammation.

Proteins involved in the acute phase response, contributing to tissue repair and regulation of inflammation.

A process by which the body breaks down fibrin clots, essential for removing the provisional matrix during tissue repair and restoring normal blood flow.

An inflammatory condition in which the body's immune system overreacts to a perceived threat, leading to damage to healthy tissues. It can affect various organs and systems.

A condition in which the bone marrow produces an excessive number of red blood cells, increasing the viscosity (thickness) of the blood.

A genetic blood disorder that affects the shape of red blood cells. Red blood cells in sickle cell anemia are crescent-shaped, which can lead to problems with oxygen delivery and blood flow.