The immune system consists of a sophisticated network of cells and proteins to maintain homeostasis. Two primary branches of the immune system, innate and adaptive immunity, collaborate to protect the host from diverse threats.
Innate immunity acts as the body’s first line of defense, providing immediate, non-specific protection against a wide range of pathogens. This system includes physical barriers like the skin and mucous membranes, as well as cellular components such as macrophages and neutrophils. These cells recognize common features shared by various pathogens, triggering a rapid response without the need for prior exposure.
On the other hand, adaptive immunity offers a more specialized and targeted defense. It relies on the recognition of specific antigens, which are unique to each pathogen. The adaptive immune system has memory, allowing it to “remember” past encounters and mount a quicker and more potent response upon re-exposure. T cells and B cells, key players in adaptive immunity, undergo clonal selection to produce cells with receptors tailored to specific antigens.
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Source: ChatGPT response prompted and edited by Joel Graff.
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