Describe five key features of the immune response against a bacterial infection - Essay Example

This involves various compounds in human body blood and bodily fluids that attack the viruses and other bacteria, when it reaches the host site to cause harm. While it is effective in fighting bacterial infections, the second line of defense is also non-specific.(Wassenaar, 2009) The third line of defense is immune response to such infections. Immune response system, being the specific defense, can be recognized by certain differences in characteristics, when comparing it with non-specific body defenses.

These include the attributes, sometimes called the features, of immune system, named as specificity, memory, diversity and recognition.(Basic Features of Immune System, n.d.) However, there are other important features that can describe the immune response to infections, in bio-medical terms. Inflammatory response Inflammation is the body immune system response to infection. The goal of inflammatory response is to remove the damaged cells and pathogens that cause infection, as it starts the healing process.

(Nordqvist, 2012) While the immune system’s function is to destroy the bacteria that cause infection, the initial alert to get the system into action varies. For example, the first immune cells that come into action can be microphages, in case of infection in lungs or intestines. The formation of antigens by such cells activates similar cells in the system, while eating away the infection-causing bacteria. The ‘complement system’ that has provided the second line of defense, sometimes recognizes the bacteria and sends chemical messengers, like cytokines, to warn other cells of immune system.

This process is a part of inflammatory immune response.(The Inflammatory Response, n.d.) Cellular immune response There are three types of ‘T lymphocytes’ that activate the cellular immune system. While cytotoxic T cells are first to attack the cells infected by virus and fungi, among others, the helper T and suppressor T cells release compounds that act as stimulators and inhibitors, within the immune response system. These cells are also responsible for prevention of future infections, with similar symptoms.

(Understand the Immune Defense System, n.d) Antigen CD8 is formed by Cytotxic cells, as it is responsible for recognizing the antigens from pathogens, which are displayed on the infected cell surface. This way they kill the infected cell, while preventing other cells from getting the infection. Antigen CD4 is expressed on the surface of Th1 Helper T cells. These cells provide defense against intracellular pathogens, while recognizing antigens from pathogens, which are present on the infected cell surface.

(Mayer & Nyland, 2010) Innate immunity Although it is the ‘non-specific’ host defense against the bacterial infection, yet it provides quite effective mechanism in invading the bacteria, on a continual basis. The first line of defense provided by the body’s immune system comprises of skin and mucous membranes that act as physical and chemical barriers. The categories of innate immune system include anatomical defense, microbial antagonism and phagocytosis, among others.(Todar, n.d.) The anatomical barriers include mechanical factors like skin and saliva, while chemical factors are fatty acids in sweat that