Characteristics of nonspecific immunity

The human immune system is an important system for the human body to fight against disease. When the immune system is damaged, a person's incidence of disease will greatly increase. At the same time, the immune system is divided into specific immunity and nonspecific immunity. The specific immune system refers to an immune system that a person gradually forms in life. But what are the characteristics of the nonspecific immune system?

Features

①Wide range of effect. The body has no specific selectivity in clearing invading antigens.

②Quick reaction. Once antigens come into contact with the body, they are immediately rejected and eliminated by the body.

③There is relative stability. It is not affected by invading antigens, nor does it increase or decrease due to the strength or frequency of invading antigens. However, when the body is exposed to common antigens or adjuvants, the immune capacity can also be enhanced.

④It is hereditary. Organisms have nonspecific immunity from birth and can pass it on to their offspring. Therefore, nonspecific immunity is also called innate immunity or species immunity.

⑤It is the basis for the development of specific immunity. From the perspective of phylogeny

The immunity of invertebrates is non-specific, while vertebrates have developed specific immunity in addition to non-specific immunity. The two are closely linked and cannot be separated. From the perspective of individual development, when antigens invade the body, the first thing that comes into play is nonspecific immunity, followed by specific immunity. Therefore, nonspecific immunity is the basis of all immune protection capabilities.

significance

Nonspecific immunity is the basis of specific immunity, and the immune substances produced by specific immunity can enhance the effects of nonspecific immunity. For example, macrophages engulf, process, and handle antigens and pass them to lymphocytes, causing them to produce antibodies or lymphokines, thereby enhancing their ability to kill target cells. In turn, the production of antibodies and lymphokines also enhances the chemotaxis, activation, and phagocytosis of macrophages. Therefore, enhancing the body's nonspecific immunity is of great significance to improving the body's overall immune function.