Evolution of the immune system - Stages of immune evolution

5 important questions on Evolution of the immune system - Stages of immune evolution

What is the first stage of immune evolution?

Primitive Defense (Early life): Single celled organisms used basic mechanisms like:
- Enzymes (CRISPR in bacteria)
- Antimicrobial peptides
- Phagocytosis

What is the second stage of immune evolution?

Innate immunity (multicellularity): Fast, non specific defense against invaders
- Germline-encoded receptors
- Cellular defenses (phagocytosis)

What is the third (and last) stage of immune evolution?

Adaptive Immunity (in vertebrates): Diverse antigen receptors and immunological memory
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What are RAG enzymes?

Recombination-Activating Gene refers to the complex of RAG1 and RAG2 proteins, they are crucial for creating diverse antibodies and TCRs in adaptive immune system by cutting and pasting DNA segments during lymphocyte development

How did RAG enzymes lead to adaptive immunity refinement?

Gene rearrangement (via RAG enzymes) enabled vast receptor diversity, leading to antibody class switching and memory development to improve responses

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