Hygiene Atlas

Atlas · Plate VI · Microbiology and Immunology · 06

Innate and adaptive immunity

Innate immunity responds at once and without specificity: skin, mucosa, neutrophils, macrophages and complement. Neutrophils are the first white cells into acute inflammation and the main defenders in the sulcus. Adaptive immunity is specific and has memory: B cells and plasma cells make antibodies, CD4 helper and CD8 cytotoxic T cells drive cell-mediated defense, and HIV targets the CD4 cells.

High-yield facts · 7

  1. Innate immunity is immediate and nonspecific (skin, mucosa, neutrophils, macrophages, complement).S50
  2. Neutrophils (PMNs) are the first white cells to arrive in acute inflammation and the main defenders in the sulcus.S38
  3. Adaptive immunity is specific and has memory: B cells make antibodies (humoral); T cells drive cell-mediated immunity.S50
  4. Helper T cells are CD4+; cytotoxic T cells are CD8+. HIV attacks CD4+ cells.S50
  5. Plasma cells are mature B cells that secrete antibodies; they dominate established periodontal lesions.S38
  6. Natural active immunity comes from infection; artificial active from vaccines; passive from transferred antibodies (placenta, breast milk, immune globulin).S50
  7. Normal adult white cell count is about 4,500-11,000 per microliter; neutrophils are about 55-70% of them.S49

Facts are written in our own words; each tag links to its source. Values marked "sources vary" differ between references, so check the one your program uses.