Innate Immune Response (2nd Line)

Question 1

Interferons:

Answer 1

Cytokines released by virus infected cells to make nearby cells less likely to be infected

Question 2

What is the complement system?

Answer 2

A small collection of proteins circling in the blood

Question 3

What does the complement system do?

Answer 3

1) Can act as chemo attractants - attracts phagocytes and eosinophils

2) Can opsonise bacteria/pathogens - marks them for destruction

3) Can form a MAC [membrane attack complex] - which acts similarly to perforin, punching holes in pathogen

Question 4

What causes inflammation?

Answer 4

• Mast cells release histamines which cause vasodilation + increased redness in the area
• Vasodilation helps more immune cells get to the problem area
• Destruction of cells in the throat releasing chemicals (interferons) which cause swelling