Immunwege

Immunwege, also known as immune pathways, refer to the complex series of molecular and cellular interactions that constitute the immune response. These pathways are crucial for identifying and eliminating pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, as well as for recognizing and removing abnormal or damaged cells. The immune system is broadly divided into innate and adaptive immunity, each with distinct but interconnected pathways.

Innate immunity provides a rapid, non-specific defense. Key pathways include those involving pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) like Toll-like receptors (TLRs) that detect conserved molecular patterns on microbes. Upon activation, PRRs trigger signaling cascades leading to the production of cytokines and inflammatory mediators, which recruit immune cells and initiate inflammation. The complement system is another vital innate pathway, involving a cascade of plasma proteins that can directly lyse pathogens, opsonize them for phagocytosis, and promote inflammation.

Adaptive immunity offers a slower but highly specific and memory-forming response. This relies on lymphocytes, namely T cells and B cells. T cell activation pathways involve the recognition of antigens presented by other immune cells on MHC molecules. Helper T cells orchestrate immune responses by releasing cytokines, while cytotoxic T cells directly kill infected cells. B cell pathways lead to antibody production, which can neutralize toxins, mark pathogens for destruction, or activate the complement system. These pathways are essential for long-term immunity and vaccination.