Compare and contrast the functions of key components of the host immune system.

Answer

1. The immune system is a complex network of cells and proteins that protects the body from
infection.

2. Because the immune system has a record of every germ (microbe) it has knocked down so
far, it can quickly recognize and destroy the microbe if it enters the body again.

3. Abnormalities in the immune system can cause allergic diseases, immunodeficiency, and
immune disorders.

The immune system keeps a record of all microorganisms that have been defeated by a type
of white blood cell (B, Tlymphocytes) known as a memory cell. This means that when
microorganisms re-enter the body, they quickly recognize and destroy them before they
multiply and become ill.

Some infectious diseases, such as the flu and colds, fight many times. Because too many
other viruses and variants of the same type of virus can cause these diseases. If you get a cold
or the flu from the virus, you will not be immune to other viruses.

The main parts of the immune system are:

• White blood cells

• Antibodies

• Complement system

• Lymphatic system

• Spleen

• Bone marrow

• Thymus.

Differentiate the innate and adaptive features of the host immune response.

Answer

Innate feature:

Innate immunity (also called natural immunity or natural immunity) provides an initial line of
defense against microorganisms. It consists of cellular and biochemical defense mechanisms
that exist even before infection and are poised to respond quickly to infection. Natural
immune mechanisms depend on structures common to a group of related microbes, and
microscopic differences between microbes are often indistinguishable.

The main components of Innate immunity are:

(1) Physical and chemical barriers, including epithelium and antibacterial substances
produced on epithelial surfaces.

(2) phagocytes (neutrophils, macrophages), dendritic cells, natural killer (NK) cells and other
natural lymphocytes.

(3) Blood proteins, including members of the accessory system and other mediators of
inflammation.

Adaptive feature:

The adaptive immune (also called specific or acquired immunity) system recognizes and
responds to a number of microbial and non-microbial substances. A clear feature of adaptive
immunity is the ability to discriminate between different substances, called specificity, and
the ability to respond more actively to repeated exposure to the same microorganism, called
memory.

Unique components of adaptive immunity are cells called lymphocytes and secretion
products such as antibodies. Foreign bodies that trigger a specific immune response or are
recognized by lymphocytes and antibodies are called antigens.

. Outline how the host immune response reacts to foreign antigens.

Answer

Antibodies attach to a specific antigen and make it easier for immune cells to destroy the
antigen. T lymphocytes help control the immune response that attacks antigens directly. They
also release chemicals known as cytokines, which control the entire immune response.