Microbiology and Immunology 3300B Lecture : Immunology Notes
Document Summary
Innate immunity: functions without antigens and is immunity derived from non-antigen recognition of pathogens and passive mechanisms like barriers. It is generated from germ-line encoded genes and is inheritable. It recognizes general features of pathogens (no fine specificity) and has no memory of past pathogen encounters. It is a mixture of physical barriers, chemical defenses, and cellular responses. It is present in all individuals at all times. Adaptive immunity: recognizes antigens produced by pathogens. It is generated by recombination of genes in somatic cells and is not inheritable. It recognizes specific antigens (fine specificity) and has memory of past antigens. It involves cellular responses and is generated as pathogens are encountered. Evolution of the immune system: foreign dna and barriers, self-non-self, immune cells, specialized immune cells and enzyme cascades, antibody-like genes, adaptive. Epithelium is specialized tissue that provides the first line of defense against infection. It is our barrier with the outside world.