Multiple Choice
Which immune cell is able to respond quickly after any subsequent encounter with the same antigen?
1375
views
21. The Immune System
Classes of Antibodies
Problem 20
Textbook Question
Compare and contrast the effects of complement with those of interferon.
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the role of the complement system in the immune response, which includes enhancing the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear microbes and damaged cells, promoting inflammation, and attacking the pathogen's cell membrane.
Describe the activation pathways of the complement system: the classical pathway, the lectin pathway, and the alternative pathway, each leading to the formation of the membrane attack complex (MAC) that can lyse pathogens.
Explain the function of interferons, which are proteins released by host cells in response to the presence of pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, or tumor cells, and their role in signaling neighboring cells to heighten their anti-viral defenses.
Discuss how interferons activate immune cells, such as natural killer cells and macrophages, and increase the antigen presentation to lymphocytes, enhancing the adaptive immune response.
Compare the complement system's direct attack on pathogens and enhancement of phagocytosis with interferons' role in signaling and modulating the immune response to prevent the spread of infection.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Complement System
The complement system is a part of the immune system that enhances the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear pathogens from an organism. It consists of a series of proteins that, when activated, can lead to the lysis of pathogens, opsonization, and the promotion of inflammation. The complement system plays a crucial role in both innate and adaptive immunity, providing a rapid response to infections.
Recommended video:
4:25
Complement System
Interferon
Interferons are a group of signaling proteins produced by host cells in response to viral infections and other pathogens. They play a key role in the immune response by inhibiting viral replication within host cells, activating immune cells, and increasing the expression of antigen presentation molecules. Interferons are classified into three main types: Type I (e.g., IFN-α and IFN-β), Type II (IFN-γ), and Type III (IFN-λ), each with distinct functions.
Recommended video:
1:32Interferons
Immune Response Modulation
Both complement and interferons modulate the immune response, but they do so through different mechanisms. The complement system primarily acts through direct pathogen destruction and enhancing phagocytosis, while interferons primarily focus on inhibiting viral replication and activating immune cells. Understanding these differences is essential for comprehending how the body coordinates its defenses against infections.
Recommended video:
6:59Primary and Secondary Response of Adaptive Immunity
4:43mWatch next
Master Classes of Antibodies with a bite sized video explanation from Bruce Bryan
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice