immune disorders
Innate Immunity
Introduction
One of the body's lines of defense (immune system) involves White blood cells (leukocytes) that travel through the bloodstream and into tissues, searching for and attacking microorganisms and other invaders. (See also This defense has two parts: Innate immunity Acquired Immunity None Innate (natural) immunity is so named because it is present at birth and does not have to be learned through exposure to an invader. It thus provides an immediate response to foreign invaders. However, its components treat all foreign invaders in much the same way. They recognize only a limited number of identifying substances (antigens) on foreign invaders. However, these antigens are present on many different invaders. Innate immunity, unlike Acquired Immunity , has no memory of the encounters, does not remember specific foreign antigens, and does not provide any ongoing protection against future infection. The white blood cells involved in innate immunity are Monocytes (which develop into macrophages) Neutrophils Eosinophils Basophils Natural killer cells Each type has a different function. Other participants in innate immunity are Mast cells The complement system Cytokines 