Innate Immunity-D3

Question 1

Chemokine

Answer 1

A type of cytokine that directs the recruitment of immune cells towards its source. Chemokine gradients tend to be most concentrated at the site of infection/inflammation

Question 2

Cytokine

Answer 2

Protein released by immune cells that provide pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory functions. Cytokines are analogous to hormones released by the endocrine system in that they are a form of cell-to-cell communication. Types of cytokines include interleukins (IL-), interferons (IFNs) and chemokines

Question 3

Opsonization

Answer 3

Process that labels microbes such as bacteria for phagocytosis. Proteins called opsonins adhere to microbes and are then recognized by macrophages, resulting in their uptake of the opsonin-coated particle. The most common opsonins include antibodies and the complement system

Question 4

Pattern Recognition Receptor

Answer 4

Receptor that detects conserved microbial structures such as LPS, peptidoglycan, unmethylated DNA, single-stranded RNA or beta-glucans. PRR families includes Toll-like receptors (TLRs), NOD-like receptors (NLRs), RIG-I-like receptos, C-type lectin receptors (CLRs). The innate immune system identifies classes of microbes through distinct PRRs (Gram-positive, Gram-negative, virus, fungi)