MIC 419

Learning Objectives: Innate Immunity

Reading Assignment: Janeway Chapter 2; Parham Chapter 8 pp 227-260 (202-224 1st edition)

Supplementary Materials: Innate Immunity, Complement, Cytokines, ToolBox

Innate Immunity deals with the earliest responses to pathogens at the site of infection. Macrophages in the tissues respond to damage and pathogen contact by secreting cytokines, chemical signals that attract other white blood cells and increase blood flow to the site. The result is inflammation: redness, pain, swelling, and heat signal that the immune system has responded to the pathogen. Innate immunity is rapid but does not prevent disease symptoms from occurring on repeated pathogen contact.

When you finish Innate Immunity , you should be able to

Describe how pathogens enter the body, including how they bypass the mechanical and chemical barriers to entry. Give examples from bacteria and viruses.

List the phagocytes involved in innate immunity. Include their body locations and how they recognize, respond to, and kill pathogens.

Describe the local and systemic effects of the macrophage cytokines IL-1, IL-8, TNFα, IL-6, and IL-12.

Describe inflammation. Include in your description the purpose of inflammation, the body location, the cells and molecules involved, and the successful outcome of the inflammatory process.

http://microvet.arizona.edu/Courses/MIC419/learningObjectives/LOInnateImm.html
Written by Janet M. Decker, PhD jdecker@u.arizona.edu
Last modified February 1, 2006