Question

How do cytokine barriers provide innate immunity in humans?

Answer 1

Innate immunity (also known as natural immunity) is the first line of defense of the body against foreign substances/ microbes. When the chemical and the physical barriers of the body are not able to stop the microbes/ substances from entering the body, innate immunity comes into play. Innate immunity is triggered by antigens.

Cytokines are a group of proteins, peptides or glycoproteins that are secreted by specific cells of the immune system. These include the interferons, interleukins, and TNF. They help in mediating and regulating immunity, inflammation, and hematopoiesis.

Cytokines play a major role in immune responses both directly and indirectly. They block the viral replication by the interferons (direct role) and affect the immuno-modulatory mechanisms which may lead to the elevation of body temperature, activation of NK cells and macrophages. Thus, the cytokine barriers provide innate immunity in humans by affecting the immuno-modulatory responses of the body and direct interaction with the particles/ microbes.