Question

Briefly describe the “cellular mechanisms of host defense.” What kinds of life changes would you encourage someone to make to improve host defense?

Answer 1

Host defenses that protect against infection include. Natural barriers (eg, skin, mucous membranes) Nonspecific immune responses (eg, phagocytic cells [neutrophils, macrophages] and their products) Specific immune responses include cell mediated immune responses and humoral immune response. Non specific defense comes under innate immune system and specific defense comes under adaptive immune systems.

The defenses and mechanisms of adaptive immunity include (1) cell-mediated immunity, mediated by T lymphocytes against intracellular pathogens, and (2) humoral immunity, mediated by B lymphocytes against extracellular pathogens and toxins.

T lymphocytes when activated by antigen presentation by macrophages, kills the infected cell which carries the pathogen where as B lymphocytes kills the extracellular pathogen by releasing antibodies.

Life changes to improve innate immunity and adaptive immunity are

Exercise

Dietary intake rich in vitamin c and folic acid ( important for production of immune cells)

Drinking enough water

Vaccination

Quiting smoking and alcohol