immunology

Question 1

What is innate immunity?

Answer 1

Innate immunity is a general, non-specific defense mechanism present from birth that provides the first and second lines of defense against pathogens.

Question 2

Why is innate immunity considered more general?

Answer 2

It uses non-specific responses that do not adapt or remember pathogens, responding the same way to a wide range of invaders.

Question 3

What are examples of innate immunity’s first line of defense?

Answer 3

Physical and chemical barriers such as skin, mucus, cilia, lysozyme in saliva and tears, and stomach acid.

Question 4

What are humoral components of the innate immune system?

Answer 4

Lysozymes, complement proteins, cytokines, and interferons that act in the body fluids.

Question 5

What are the main cellular components of innate immunity?

Answer 5

Mast cells, basophils, eosinophils, neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, and NK cells.

Question 6

What is the role of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) in innate immunity?

Answer 6

They help immune cells recognize pathogens by detecting conserved microbial structures like PAMPs.

Question 7

How does infection lead to inflammation?

Answer 7

Pathogen recognition triggers cytokine release, leading to vasodilation, immune cell recruitment, and inflammation.

Question 8

What are the five hallmarks of inflammation?

Answer 8

Rubor (redness), dolor (pain), calor (heat), tumor (swelling), and functio laesa (loss of function).