In this article, I briefly describe the types of receptors in our immune system. Receptors of the immune system The cells of our immune system use various receptors to recognize ligands. Some receptors, like pattern recognition receptors (PRRS), are found in both innate and adaptive immune cells. However, B-cell receptors (BCRs) and T-cell receptors (TCRs) … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly explain the beginning of the immune response in the secondary lymphoid organs. Development of lymphocytes Development of lymphocytes takes place in the primary lymphoid system. However, the response is initiated in the secondary lymphoid organs as soon as the lymphocytes encounter antigens in the microenvironment. The bone marrow and the … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly describe MHC genes and their inheritance. Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) Vertebrate DNA consists of a large locus known as the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). The MHC locus consists of a cluster of closely linked polymorphic genes coding for cell surface proteins vital for adaptive immunity. Different MHC proteins bind and … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly explain about the communication between innate immunity and adaptive immunity. Innate immunity Innate immunity accounts for the first line of defense against harmful pathogens. It gives uniform response to all types of harmful pathogens, therefore, also known as the non-specific immunity. Innate immunity is quite important to keep us healthy. … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly explain the diseases that happen due to complement deficiencies and strategies evolved by microbes to evade the complement attack. The components of the complement system The complement system consists of a set of more than fifty serum proteins that assist in both innate and adaptive immunity to eliminate harmful pathogens. … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly explain about the various ways of functioning of the complement system. The complement system The complement system includes more than fifty serum proteins that assist both innate immunity and adaptive immunity to abolish pathogens, dead cells, and immune complexes from the body. Complement proteins can form complexes with antibodies and … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly explain the positive and negative regulatory mechanisms of innate and inflammatory responses and their effects. Responses of Innate immunity Innate immune responses have vital roles in annihilating infections. These responses eliminate the invading pathogen by phagocytosis or cytotoxicity. Secondly, the cells of innate immunity secrete different cytokines depending upon the … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly explain the importance of innate lymphoid cells in innate immune and inflammatory responses. Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) Innate immunity is generally governed by non-lymphoid cells, i.e., myeloid and epithelial cells. ILCs are a family of lymphocytes activated by infection, damage, or stress and enhancing innate and inflammatory responses. Innate lymphoid … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly explain phagocytosis, the process which abolishes pathogens. Phagocytosis Phagocytosis is simply a mechanism in which a white blood cell (phagocyte) envelops a foreign particle and annihilates it, thereafter discards the dead cells. In this process, the cell uses its plasma membrane to engulf the foreign particle, developing an internal compartment … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly explain the infectious and non-infectious causes of chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation Chronic inflammation is a slow and long-running inflammation that can last for many months to years. It varies with its extent and effects relating to the cause of the injury and the resilience of the body towards the inflammation. … Read more >>