Question

An individual finds himself infected by a previously undiscovered pathogen, Transmissio.

Describe the direct players (cells and organs) that participate in the innate vs. adaptive immune response.

Answer 1

Innate immune system gets activated immediately once the pathogen attacks the body. Innate immune response is non- specific. The innate immune system includes physical barriers like skin, defence mechanism like secretion of mucus and general mechanism like cellular response. Cells taking part in innate immune system are: Phagocytes which eat the pathogens, Macrophages which releases cytokines, Mast cells which releases histamines and cytokines to cause inflammatory cascade, Neutrophils which are phagocytic cells, Eosinophils which secretes chemicals to kill the pathogens, Basophils which releases histamines, Natural killer cells destroy the infected cells to prevent the spread of disease or infection and Dendritic cells which are antigen presenting cells.

Adaptive immune response is slow. It is specific and can recognise pathogens and non pathogen. Cells taking part in adaptive immune response are B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes. B cells take part in humoral immunity by producing antibodies against a pathogen. T cells takes part in cell mediated immunity. T cells are of three types: Helper T cells, Cytotoxic T cells and Regulatory T cells. Person who has not been exposed to pathogen before can get cell mediated immunity from Helper T cells and Cytotoxic T cells from other person who has been exposed to that pathogen before. Helper T cells activates immune cells like B lymphocytes, Cytotoxic T cells and other immune cells. Cytotoxic T cells removes pathogens and other cells which are infected. Regulatory T cells prevents autoimmune response.