Nonspecific Defenses: Second Line of Defense

• Antimicrobial Proteins

  • Complement
    • protein produced by white blood cells
    • Enhances phagocytosis
    • Destroys membranes of invading cells
    • Promotes inflammation
  • Interferons
    • protein released by activated lymphocytes, macrophages, and infected host cells
    • Causes host cells to produce antiviral compounds
    • Stimulates macrophages and NK cells

Previous slide

Next slide

Back to first slide

View graphic version