Innate Defense Mechanisms

This lecture covers the soluble components of innate defense, focusing on the complement system, collectins, pentraxins, and ficolins. It explains how these molecules recognize microbes, enhance phagocytosis, promote inflammation, and directly kill pathogens. The lecture also delves into the three pathways of the complement system, the recognition of pathogens, and the stages of complement action. Furthermore, it discusses the inflammatory response, antiviral immunity, leukocyte migration, cytokines, chemokines, and the acute-phase response. The role of TNF-alpha in various diseases, leukocyte migration mechanisms, and phagocytosis receptors are also explored, along with the respiratory burst, intracellular killing mechanisms, and the limitations of innate immune responses.