How does the immune system distinguish among pathogens? - Distinguishing among pathogens and germs

6 important questions on How does the immune system distinguish among pathogens? - Distinguishing among pathogens and germs

How does innate immunity distinguish among pathogens?

Recognizing unique molecular structures found on microbes but NOT on host cells

How does adaptive immunity distinguish among pathogens?

By antigen specificity via antigen presenting cells

How do T and B cells recognize different pathogens?

They both have antigen receptors
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How do B cell receptors detect pathogens?

Only the B cells that have antigen receptors to that specific pathogen will produce antibodies for them, as only these antibodies can attach to the virus

How do T cell receptors detect pathogens?

T cell receptors need dendritic cells to either swallow the pathogens or swallow pathogen infected cells to attach to the antigen's peptides. Antigen presentation via dendritic cells (placement onto MHC molecule) leads to Helper T cells recognizing the peptide shape on the MHC, and only the T cells whose receptors fit that shape will activate

How do T cells help each other?

CD4+ T cells (helper T cells) help CD8+ T cell (cytotoxic T cells) response via dendrite interaction (stage 2) CD40/CD40L connection causing IL-12 secretion, which drives CD8+ T cell activation and differentiation, and promote IL-2 secretion too, to drive clonal expansion of CD8+ T cells and promote survival

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