Comparing and contrasting the major roles of the innate immune system and the acquired immune system
Innate immune system prevents the entry of pathogenic microbes and toxins into the body. According to IQWiG (2012), this is achieved through surface barriers including the skin, mucosae and various secretions by the body such as saliva, sweat, and hydrochloric acid which is secreted in the stomach. The innate immune system also prevents entry of pathogens through internal mechanisms which include production of various cells and chemicals. The innate immune system offers instant protection against infections through production of chemical mediators known as cytokines. Innate IS boosts a system that recognizes bacteria, and arouse macrophages. It also aids the exclusion of dead cells/antibody complexes.
Contrastingly, the acquired immune system offers secondary protection against infection by attacking pathogens which evade or overpower the innate immune system. It is also specific in targeting pathogens (IQWiG, 2012). In regard to functions, the major difference is that innate immune system takes a short time to be activated. Nonetheless, it does not provide the host with a prolonged protective immunity. The acquired immune system takes long to be activated although it offers prolonged protective immunity. Normally, older people, infants and people with acquired immune systems are highly protected from some contagious diseases. This is a critical provision in the context of immunity and the protection of the human life. Basically, innate immune systems are in-built and are structured to fight all sorts of infections by providing natural resistance to infectious agents. Acquired immune system induces the execution of a meticulous action. It also enhances performance of antibodies and other body’s defense cells. As the levels of the acquired immunity systems increases, further performance and protection begin to endure. Acquired immune system operates with the memory of antigens causing diseases. Normally, there are specific antibodies produced to capture specific disease causing antigens. Such immunities increase focus and exclusivity of protection and therefore invigorate good health.
How the innate immune system and the acquired immune system work together to fight infectious agents
The innate immune system plays an important role in triggering the acquired immune system into action against pathogens present in the body. This is accomplished through making changes on the phagocyte surface which help in initiating the acquired immune system. After the phagocytes in the innate immune system have engulfed the invading infectious agents, they display antigens specific to these agents on their surface. These antigens are identified by the specialized antigen receptors on the surface of T-cells. This enables the T-cells produced by the acquired immune system to identify the infected cells. T-cells have the ability to generate immunological memory which makes it possible for the immune system to respond more quickly and strongly against future exposure to these infectious agents. The innate immune system also produces chemokines and cytokines which help in guiding various cells produced by the acquired immune system to sites within the body where the infectious agents have been identified (Jefferys, 2002). Additionally, innate immune system arousal hinders infection by localizing and normalizing immunity ranges. Headaches, hypertension, and immune disorders can result from compromised innate immunity thus compromising life quality. Capability, independence, relatedness, considerate, attention, potency, and conviction are just a few examples enhanced by optimized innate immunity. These needs are instinctive and widespread, and ought to be fulfilled for normal operation of the body.
References
IQWiG (Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care). (2012). How do the innate and adaptive immune systems work together? Web.
Jefferys, R. (2002). The Immune System: Behind the Scenes. Web.