Functions of White Blood Cells in Immunity System
White Blood Cells in Second Line and Their Functions
- Mast Cells Function: Mast cells release histamine which initiates (starts) inflammatory response.
- Neutrophils Function: Neutrophils engulf and destroy microbes through phagocytosis
- Macrophages Functions: (a) Macrophages engulf and destroy microbes through phagocytosis. (b) Macrophages destroy cancer cells. (c) Macrophages destroy dead and worn out cells. (d) Macrophages release interleukin-1 which stimulate the hypothalamus to increase body temperature (cause fever). (e) Macrophages present antigen of the phagocytized microbe to the lymphocytes (T-cells). They are antigen presenting cells (APCs).
- Natural Killer Cells (NK cells/ Killer cells) Function: (a) Natural killer cells kill and destroy virus-infected body cells. (b) Natural killer cells destroy cancer cells. ((( Note:- Natural killer cells release a protein called perforin and insert into the membrane of virus infected body cells, forming a pore which allows water to rush into the target cells and then the infected cell burst or lyse))).
- Basophils Function: (a) Basophils release histamine. (b) Basophils respond to allergic reactions
- Eosinophils Function: Eosinophils kill parasitic worms and fight allergic reactions
- Dendritic Cells Function: Dendritic cells present antigen of the phagocytized microbe to the lymphocytes (T-cells). They are antigen presenting cells (APCs).
Chemicals in Non-specific (Innate) Immunity and Their Role in Defense
Chemicals in Second Line of Defense and their Role
- Histamine Function: Histamine stimulates and initiates the mechanism of inflammatory response (inflammation). (((Note:- Mast cells release histamine)
- Interleukin-1 (Pyrogen) Function: Interleukin-1 stimulates the hypothalamus to increase the body temperature (Fever). (((Note:- Macrophages release interleukin-1)))
Proteins (Antimicrobial proteins) in Non-specific (Innate) Immunity and their Role
- Interferons
Function: Interferons reduce the spread of virus in the body. (((Note:- Virus infected body cells release interferons))).- Complement system
Function: Complement proteins make a hole on the membrane of the pathogen to rush in water and rupture (lyse).
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