bridge between innate and adaptive immunityRole is to initially phagocytose bacteria (as part of the innate response) and later present processed antigen to T-cells to elicit cell-mediated adaptive immune response.
The bridge between innate and adaptive immunity is performed by a group of immune cells known as antigen-presenting cells (APCs)
The bridge between innate and adaptive immunity is performed by a group of immune cells known as antigen-presenting cells (APCs). One of the main roles of APCs is to phagocytose bacteria as part of the innate immune response. Phagocytosis is the process by which cells engulf and digest foreign particles, such as bacteria.
APCs, such as macrophages and dendritic cells, recognize and engulf bacteria through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) on their cell surface, which recognize specific molecular patterns associated with pathogens. Once bacteria are phagocytosed, they are broken down into smaller fragments inside the phagocyte.
Next, APCs process these bacterial fragments into smaller pieces called antigens. Antigens are then loaded onto major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules within the APCs. MHC molecules are protein complexes that display antigens on the surface of APCs, allowing the immune system to recognize and respond to them.
The processed antigens bound to MHC molecules are then presented on the surface of the APCs. This presentation serves as a way for APCs to communicate with T-cells, a type of adaptive immune cell. T-cells have receptors that are capable of recognizing specific antigens displayed on MHC molecules.
When a T-cell receptor recognizes a specific antigen presented by an APC, it initiates a series of signaling events, leading to the activation of T-cells. Once activated, T-cells differentiate into effector T-cells, which can either directly attack infected cells or coordinate the immune response by activating other immune cells.
In summary, APCs play a crucial role in bridging the innate and adaptive immune responses. They first phagocytose bacteria during the innate response, and then present processed antigens to T-cells, initiating a specific adaptive immune response. This process enables the immune system to mount a targeted, efficient, and long-lasting defense against infection.
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