Innate immune responses to infection

Innate immunity: responses to first contact. Diagrammed are important host responses to infection that are independent of specific cell-mediated immunity or antibodies. Initial contact between the host and microbes or their products results in a range of activating signals that mobilize both cellular and humoral effectors for attack on their respective microbial targets. Components of the host response are highlighted in blue. MΦ, Macrophages; AP, alternative pathway; MBLP, mannose-binding lectin pathway.