We have now seen how the innate immune system detects pathogens and the actions taken to try to control the invader. However, the innate immune system often lacks sufficient power to eliminate the invader, requiring help from the stronger adaptive immune system. When activated, innate immune cells frantically call for mobilised backup, by secreting chemokine and cytokine distress signals . But simply calling for back up is not enough! The adaptive immune cells need intelligence on exactly what or who to fight, they don't fight blindly.
In this module we will explore what it takes to deliver the information on who to fight to the adaptive immune cells.
| Aims: |
|---|
| To explain how antigens are taken up and then presented to other cells by antigen presenting cells. |
| To demonstrate how antigen presentation links innate and adaptive immunity. |
| To highlight how the environment in which and immune reaction takes place can affect antigen presentation. |
| Learning Outcomes: |
|---|
| Describe the processes taking place during antigen presentation. |
| Predict how different tissue environments may affect antigen presentation. |
Acknowledgements
Many thanks to:
- The Linkers Immunology Authors: Emily Swindle, Julie Cakebread, Karen Pickard, Ferdousi Chowdury, Liz Miles, Nicky Weston-Bell, Debora Joseph-Pietras, Paul Noakes, Kathy Potter, Angelica Cazaly (curriculum designer), Ian Bailey, Judith Holloway (Programme director/curriculum designer)
- The Editor: Angelica Cazaly
- The eLearning Team: Sunhea Choi, Matthew Hammerton and Mimi Lee