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The immune system consists of two main branches: innate immunity, which provides a rapid and nonspecific response, and adaptive immunity, which is slower but highly specific and offers long-term protection. Key components include various immune cells such as macrophages and T cells, with mechanisms like phagocytosis and antibody production. Immune disorders can arise from autoimmunity, immunodeficiency, or allergies, and study tips include comparing the two immune responses and tracking responses to different pathogens.

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33 views2 pages

Hello W

The immune system consists of two main branches: innate immunity, which provides a rapid and nonspecific response, and adaptive immunity, which is slower but highly specific and offers long-term protection. Key components include various immune cells such as macrophages and T cells, with mechanisms like phagocytosis and antibody production. Immune disorders can arise from autoimmunity, immunodeficiency, or allergies, and study tips include comparing the two immune responses and tracking responses to different pathogens.

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rongkaioptions7videos
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Class Notes: The Immune Response – Innate vs.

Adaptive Immunity
Topic: How the Body Defends Against Pathogens

1. Overview of Immune System


Two Main Branches:
1. Innate Immunity: Rapid, nonspecific (first line of defense).
2. Adaptive Immunity: Slower, highly specific (long-term protection).
Key Cells:
 Innate: Macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells, NK cells.
 Adaptive: T cells (helper, cytotoxic), B cells (antibody production).

2. Innate Immune Response


Features:
 Immediate response (0–96 hours post-infection).
 No memory component.
Mechanisms:
1. Physical Barriers: Skin, mucous membranes.
2. Phagocytosis: Macrophages/neutrophils engulf pathogens.
3. Inflammation:
o Mast cells release histamine → vasodilation →
redness/swelling.
o Cytokines recruit immune cells.

4. Complement System: Protein cascade lyses pathogens.


Key Proteins:
 Toll-like receptors (TLRs): Detect pathogen patterns (e.g., LPS on
bacteria).

3. Adaptive Immune Response


Features:
 Takes 4–7 days to activate.
 Antigen-specific (targets unique pathogen molecules).
 Memory cells provide long-term immunity.
Steps:
1. Antigen Presentation:
o Dendritic cells display pathogen fragments (antigens)
via MHC I/II.
2. T Cell Activation:
o Helper T cells (CD4+): Release cytokines to coordinate
immunity.
o Cytotoxic T cells (CD8+): Kill infected cells.

3. B Cell Activation:
o Produce antibodies (neutralize pathogens).

o Class switching: IgM → IgG/IgA/IgE.

Key Concepts:
 Clonal Selection: Only B/T cells matching the antigen proliferate.
 Vaccines: Train adaptive immunity using harmless antigens.

4. Immune Disorders
1. Autoimmunity: Immune system attacks self (e.g., Type 1 diabetes,
lupus).
2. Immunodeficiency: Weak defenses (e.g., HIV targets CD4+ T
cells).
3. Allergies: Overreaction to harmless antigens (IgE-mediated).

5. Study Tips
 Compare Innate vs. Adaptive: Use a Venn diagram.
 Pathogen Example: Track immune response to influenza (virus) vs.
strep throat (bacteria).
Mnemonic:
"Innate = FAST":
 First responders
 Antigen nonspecific
 Short-term
 Toll-like receptors

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