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Understanding Innate Immunity Study Guide

This guide explores the fundamental components of the innate immune system, including physical barriers, cellular defenses, and key antimicrobial substances such as the complement system, interferons, and iron-binding proteins. Learn how these mechanisms work together to protect the body from pathogens.

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The Concept of Immunity and Innate Defenses

Innate Immunity and Host Defenses

Innate immunity provides rapid defenses against any pathogen and is present at birth.

  • Innate immunity
  • Adaptive immunity
  • Susceptibility
  • White blood cell counts
  • Neutrophils
  • Lymphocytes
  • Monocytes
  • Eosinophils
  • Basophils
  • Toll-like receptors
  • Pathogen-associated molecular patterns
  • Cytokines
  • Lipopolysaccharide
  • Peptidoglycan
  • Lipotechoic acid
  • Mannan
  • CpG islands

First Line of Defense: Skin and Mucous Membranes

Innate Immunity First Line of Defense

Physical and chemical factors including skin, mucous membranes, and normal microbiota provide innate immunity against microbial colonization.

  • Skin
  • Dermis
  • Epidermis
  • Keratin
  • Mucous membranes
  • Mucus
  • Mucociliary escalator
  • Chemical barriers
  • Sebum
  • Lysozyme
  • Gastric juice
  • Normal microbiota
  • Microbial antagonism
  • Commensalism
  • Probiotics

Second Line of Defense Mechanisms

Innate Immunity and Second Line Defense

The second line of defense involves leukocytes, the lymphatic system, phagocytosis, inflammation, and fever to destroy pathogens.

  • Hematopoiesis
  • Formed elements in blood
  • Leukocytes
  • Lymphatic system
  • Phagocytosis
  • Chemotaxis
  • Opsonization
  • Microbial evasion of phagocytosis
  • Inflammation
  • Vasoactive mediators
  • Diapedesis
  • Fever

Antimicrobial Substances and Innate Immunity

The complement system, interferons, and iron-binding proteins function as antimicrobial substances within innate immunity to destroy microbes and inhibit viral replication.

  • Complement system
  • Classical pathway
  • Alternative pathway
  • Cytolysis
  • Opsonization
  • Inflammation
  • Membrane attack complex
  • Interferons
  • Antiviral proteins
  • Iron-binding proteins
  • Transferrin
  • Lactoferrin
  • Hemoglobin
  • Siderophores

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