KEY TAKEAWAYS •
The innate immune system is nonspecific. It starts with physical barriers, mechanical defense systems, and chemical defense systems.
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There are many different chemical components to the innate immune system, including cytokines, histamine, bradykinin, and complement proteins.
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The goal of inflammation is to increase the response to the pathogen through increased redness, increased body temperature, localized heat, edema, and loss of function of the affected area.
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There are multiple cells that participate in the innate immune response, including granulocytes and agranulocytes.
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Macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells are involved in phagocytosis.
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Phagocytosis can happen after opsonization or the recognition of PAMPs, which activates the phagocyte to increase the immune response and engulf the pathogen.
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Phagocytosis involves digesting the pathogen and getting rid of the leftover waste products afterward.
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