First Line of Defense
This type of immunity is present at birth and responds quickly but non-specifically.
What is innate immunity?
These cells produce antibodies and are responsible for humoral immunity.
What are B cells?
This immunity occurs after vaccination or natural infection and creates memory cells.
What is active immunity?
These one-celled organisms can release toxins and cause illnesses like strep throat.
What are bacteria?
Coughing and sneezing spread infections through this transmission method.
What is droplet/airborne transmission?
Skin and mucous membranes are examples of these.
What are physical barriers?
These T cells directly kill infected or cancerous cells.
What are cytotoxic (killer) T cells?
This immunity is temporary and occurs when antibodies are transferred from another source, like mother to baby.
What is passive immunity?
These infectious agents must hijack host cells to reproduce.
What are viruses?
Malaria and Lyme disease are spread through this mode of transmission.
What is vector-borne transmission?
These immune cells are “first responders” and perform phagocytosis during acute infection.
What are neutrophils?
These antigen-presenting “sentinel” cells activate naïve T cells.
What are dendritic cells?
B cells that provide long-term protection after re-exposure are called these.
What are memory B cells
Ringworm and athlete’s foot are examples of infections caused by this type of pathogen.
What are fungi?
Washing hands and disinfecting surfaces helps prevent this type of transmission.
What is indirect contact transmission?
This immune response does NOT create memory after exposure.
What is the innate immune response?
These cells release histamine and are key players in anaphylaxis.
What are mast cells?
Antibodies can tag pathogens for destruction by this process.
What is opsonization (phagocytosis enhancement)?
Giardia and malaria are caused by this type of parasite.
What are protozoa?
Cooking food to proper temperatures helps prevent infections spread through this route.
What is foodborne (vehicular) transmission?
These web-like DNA structures released by neutrophils trap and kill microbes.
What are neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs)?
These large phagocytic cells originate from monocytes and reside in tissues like the liver (Kupffer cells) and lungs.
What are macrophages?
This immune system branch uses T cells and does NOT rely on antibodies.
What is cell-mediated immunity?
These are misfolded proteins that cause fatal neurodegenerative diseases like CJD.
What are prions?
Opening windows and using HEPA filtration helps reduce spread of pathogens through this route.
What is airborne transmission?