HTHSCI 3I03 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Adaptive Immune System, Innate Immune System, Humoral Immunity
24 Mar 2015
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Document Summary
Both the innate and adaptive immune systems can distinguish between self and non- self, but they do so in different ways. Innate immunity relies on a limited number of receptors and secreted proteins that are encoded in the germ-line and that recognize features common to many pathogens. In contrast, adaptive immunity uses somatic cell gene rearrangement to generate an enormous repertoire of antigen receptors that are capable of fine distinctions between closely related molecules. Nonetheless, the innate immune system discriminates very effectively between host cells and pathogens. It provides initial defenses and contributes to the induction of adaptive immunity. Defects in components of the innate immune system (very rare) increase susceptibility to infection, even in the presence of an intact adaptive immune system. Pathogen recognized by prrs encoded in the germ line. These receptors have broad specificity and a very limited repertoire. Pathogen recognized by randomly generated receptors (bcrs and tcrs)
