🛡️ Defense Response
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Once the pathogen is recognized, the actual defense begins. Various parts of the immune system work together to fight the invader:
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- Specific Immune Defense: T-cells and B-cells are activated. Helper T-cells stimulate the activation of other immune cells, while cytotoxic T-cells destroy infected body cells.
- Non-specific Immune Defense: Cells such as natural killer cells and macrophages immediately attack the pathogen. Inflammatory reactions—detectable by redness, swelling, heat, and pain—are triggered to contain the pathogen.
- Chemical substances like interferons and cytokines also support the defense process.
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This division of labor ensures that pathogens are attacked as efficiently as possible.
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