What serves as a first responder to pathogenic threats that bypass natural physical and chemical barriers of the body?
immense immune system
cells immune system
super immune system
innate immune system
CHAPTER SUMMARY 42.1 Innate Immune Response The innate immune system serves as a first responder to pathogenic threats that bypass natural physical and chemical barriers of the body. Using a combination of cellular and molecular attacks, the innate immune system identifies the nature of a pathogen and responds with inflammation, phagocytosis, cytokine release, destruction by NK cells, and/or a complement system. When innate mechanisms are insufficient to clear an infection, the adaptive immune response is informed and mobilized.