Innate Immunity Overview

The body's first line of defense against pathogens. It acts rapidly and non-specifically to prevent the entry and spread of microbes.

A specific and adaptable immune response that targets particular pathogens. It develops over time after exposure and generates memory cells to combat future threats.

Physical and chemical barriers that prevent the entry of microbes into the body. These include the skin, mucous membranes, and various secretions.

Molecules produced by the innate immune system that directly kill or inhibit the growth of microbes. Examples include lysozyme, defensins, and interferons.

The process by which immune cells engulf and destroy microbes. This is a key part of the innate immune response.

Receptors on immune cells that recognize specific patterns on microbes, allowing the immune system to identify invaders.

Molecular patterns commonly found on microbes but rarely on host cells, allowing TLRs to identify invaders.

A localized inflammatory response is triggered by the innate immune system, characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain. This response aims to eliminate the invading pathogens.

The outermost layer of skin acts as a barrier against microbes. This is due to its dryness, low pH, and complex structure.

A specialized type of immune tissue found in the skin, helping to kill invading microbes.

The gut epithelium is a fragile barrier because it's constantly in contact with microbes, has a large surface area, and needs to allow nutrient absorption.

These tight connections between epithelial cells prevent microbes from slipping through the gaps between cells in the gut.

A sticky layer that coats the gut epithelium, acting as an extra barrier against microbes.

These are small protein molecules produced in the gut that kill bacteria and help protect against infection.

These specialized cells in the gut epithelium produce AMPs to fight off bacteria.

The presence of normal microbiota in the gut prevents harmful bacteria like Clostridium difficile from colonizing the gut. They compete for resources.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) produced by various tissues act as a direct defense mechanism against invading pathogens.

These cells are key players in innate immunity, engulfing and destroying pathogens via phagocytosis.

This process leads to the recruitment of immune cells to the site of infection and helps confine the inflammatory response.

Cytokines are signaling molecules that regulate immune responses.

The complement system consists of over 30 proteins that act as a cascade, triggering a series of reactions to eliminate invaders. It's a crucial component of the innate immune system.

A process where antibodies or complement proteins bind to the surface of pathogens, promoting phagocytosis. Basically, it makes the invader tastier for the phagocytes.

This pathway of the complement system is initiated by direct binding of complement components to the surface of microbes. It's like a quick and dirty approach to attacking the invader.

This structure forms pores in the membranes of pathogens, leading to their lysis (destruction). It's like punching holes in the invader's defenses.

Molecules found on microbes that are recognized by immune cells, triggering a response. Think of them as flags that say 'I'm a microbe!'

Key players in innate immunity, these cells engulf and destroy microbes. Think of them as the body's 'garbage collectors'.

A protein system in the blood that helps identify and destroy pathogens. Think of it as a 'detective' that tags microbes for destruction.

The first line of defense against microbes, these barriers prevent entry into the body. Think of them as the body's 'guards'.