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Overview of Host Defenses definitions

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  • Pathogen
    An infectious agent capable of causing disease when entering a host organism.
  • Mechanical Barrier
    A physical structure, such as skin, that blocks the entry of infectious agents into the body.
  • Chemical Barrier
    A substance on body surfaces or in secretions that targets and neutralizes infectious agents.
  • Innate Immune System
    A non-specific defense mechanism including barriers and cells that respond rapidly to infections.
  • Phagocytic Cell
    A white blood cell type that engulfs and digests pathogens within the body.
  • Macrophage
    A large phagocytic cell that ingests and breaks down pathogens as part of immune defense.
  • Complement System
    A group of proteins that bind pathogens and mark them for destruction by immune cells.
  • Inflammation
    A localized response involving immune cells to control and eliminate infections.
  • Adaptive Immune System
    A highly specific defense mechanism involving cells that target particular pathogens.
  • B Cell
    A lymphocyte responsible for producing antibodies tailored to specific pathogens.
  • T Cell
    A lymphocyte that destroys infected cells or pathogens through targeted immune responses.
  • Antibody
    A protein produced by certain immune cells that binds specifically to pathogens for neutralization.
  • Antibody Response
    A targeted immune reaction involving the production of proteins that recognize specific pathogens.
  • White Blood Cell
    A cellular component of the immune system involved in defending the body against infections.
  • Host
    An organism, such as a human or animal, that can be invaded by infectious agents.