Body Defense #2

BIG FRANK

100

I am produced in the lacrimal glands, located in the upper outer part of the eye socket,  I function to protect the eyes by keeping them moist and flushing away irritants like dust and microorganisms. 

 Lacrimal Fluid - First line

200

Tears and Saliva: These are first-line defense mechanisms produced by exocrine glands in the eyes and mouth, respectively. They contain lysozyme and IgA antibodies, which break down bacterial cell walls, lubricate mucosal surfaces, and flush pathogens into the digestive tract. These secretions provide broad-spectrum protection against various pathogens, including bacteria and viruses.

Tears and Saliva

BIGIS FRANKIS

100

• I am produced by infected cells as a response to viral infections, and I function by signaling neighboring cells to activate their antiviral defenses. I can also enhance the activity of immune cells to help eliminate pathogens.

2nd Line of Defense - Interferons

200

Urine is a first-line defense mechanism originating in the kidneys and stored in the bladder. It flushes uropathogens from the urinary tract through mechanical clearance and contains uromodulin and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, which aggregate bacteria and limit iron availability. This mechanism primarily targets bacteria that cause urinary tract infections, such as Escherichia coli.

Urine

FRANK

100

• I am produced by immune cells like macrophages and T-cells, and I play a crucial role in regulating immune responses by promoting inflammation, activating other immune cells, and coordinating the overall immune response. 

• I help the body fight infections and recover from injury by controlling the communication between cells. 

3rd Line of Defense - Cytokines

200

TNF is a second-line defense component secreted by macrophages and mast cells. It triggers localized inflammation through blood vessel dilation, induces apoptosis in infected cells, and activates neutrophils. TNF plays a crucial role in the immune response against various intracellular pathogens, including Listeria monocytogenes, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Leishmania major, as well as some extracellular bacteria.

Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)

SUNDERSHACK

100

I am a third line of defense structure. I originate and mature in the bone marrow then reside in the lymph nodes, spleen, or other lymphoid tissues. I am induced to replicate by antigen-binding and helper T cell interactions. My clone members form plasma cells and memory cells. I am activated through recognition when I recognize a pathogen and am effective in fighting against bacteria, toxins, and viruses.

What are B cells (B Lymphocytes)?

200

These are innate immune components that circulate as inactive zymogens in blood plasma. They form membrane attack complexes to lyse pathogens and enhance phagocytosis through opsonization via C3b proteins. The complement system targets a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. For example, the lectin pathway of complement activation can target pathogens like Salmonella, Listeria, Neisseria strains, Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, and certain viruses such as HIV-1 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Complement Proteins

Frank Sunderhaus

100

I am a third line of defense structure. I derive from B cells and am found in lymphoid tissues such as lymph nodes, the spleen, and the bone marrow. I am activated when B cells undergo differentiation where I turn into a plasma cell and then move to different places throughout the body. My main function is to produce large quantities of antibodies that are specific to the antigen that triggered the B cell activation. Sometimes I will become long lived where I can help for longer. I protect against bacterial infections, viral infections, and toxin-producing pathogens

What are plasma cells?