Innate Immunity and Complement System Quiz

Fever is a natural defense mechanism that helps fight infections by slowing down the replication of bacteria and viruses.

Pain and loss of function are essential warning signals that indicate a problem in the body, preventing further damage and promoting healing.

PAMPs (Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns) are molecules found on pathogens, like bacteria and viruses, that trigger the immune system.

DAMPs (Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns) are molecules released from damaged cells, alerting the immune system to internal injury.

IL-1 beta, TNF alpha, and IL-6 are key cytokines that mediate inflammation, orchestrating the immune response.

The ability of the immune system to distinguish between self (body's own cells) and non-self (foreign invaders).

The immune system's inability to react against self-antigens, preventing autoimmune diseases.

A type of innate lymphoid cell that plays a crucial role in self-nonself discrimination and eliminating infected or cancerous cells.

A complex network of proteins found in the blood that plays a vital role in the immune response, functioning as a system of 'complementary' defenses.

A key mechanism of self-nonself discrimination that involves spontaneous cleavage of the C3 protein in the blood, leading to the formation of a 'C3 convertase' which activates the complement cascade.

A protein that interacts with and promotes the dissociation of C3 convertases on the surface of body cells. Helps prevent self-destruction by the complement system.

A complex of proteins on cell surfaces that defines 'self' to the immune system.

MHC proteins found on the surface of every nucleated cell in the body. They present antigens to cytotoxic T cells.

A mechanism that allows NK cells to recognize and kill cells that lack MHC Class 1 proteins (e.g., virus-infected or cancerous cells).

Receptors on NK cells that recognize MHC Class 1 proteins and suppress NK cell activation. Signal to the NK cell that the target cell belongs.

Receptors on NK cells that bind to activating ligands on stressed or infected cells, triggering NK cell activation and killing.

A complex of complement proteins that forms a pore in the membrane of target cells, leading to cell lysis.

The process of marking a pathogen for destruction by phagocytes. Complement proteins can act as opsonins.

A coordinated response to infection or injury that involves redness, swelling, heat, and pain. It helps to deliver immune cells and fluids to the affected area.

A network of cells and molecules that contribute to inflammation. Sensors include neutrophils, macrophages, and monocytes.

A type of white blood cell that is particularly important in the early stages of inflammation. They are rapidly recruited to the site of infection or injury, where they engulf pathogens and release inflammatory mediators.

A type of white blood cell that helps to clear up debris, clean up the infection site, and recruit other immune cells. They are also important for antigen presentation.

A type of white blood cell that plays an important role in the later stages of inflammation. They can differentiate into macrophages, helping to 'clean up' the infection site.