Innate Immunity (Non-specific immunity): The body's first line of defense against pathogens, providing rapid but non-specific responses. It involves physical barriers, phagocytes, and various molecular mechanisms.
Adaptive Immunity (Specific immunity): A highly specific immune response that develops over time, characterized by memory. It involves lymphocytes (B and T cells) recognizing specific antigens.
Antigen (Ag): Any molecule capable of eliciting an immune response. It is recognized by immune receptors such as immunoglobulins and T cell receptors.
Epitope (Determinant): The specific part of an antigen recognized by immune receptors. It is a distinct molecular structure on the antigen.
Lymphocytes: White blood cells involved in adaptive immunity, including B cells (produce antibodies), T cells (mediate cellular responses), and natural killer (NK) cells (innate-like cytotoxic cells).
Hematopoiesis: The process of blood cell formation from hematopoietic stem cells, occurring mainly in the bone marrow, producing various immune cells.
1. What does the term 'immune system organization' refer to?
2. Who is the author credited with developing the first successful smallpox vaccine in 1796?
3. What is the primary role of pathogen recognition in the immune system?
Immune system organization — main components?
Innate and adaptive immunity
Cellular actors — key lymphocytes?
B cells, T cells, NK cells
Pathogen recognition — primary molecules?
Antigens and pattern recognition receptors
Innate immunity components?
Physical barriers, phagocytes, complement, PRRs
Adaptive immunity components?
B cells, T cells, antibodies, MHC molecules
Cell signaling — key molecules?
Receptors, cytokines, second messengers
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