Probing Evolution

Virus Elements in the Evolution of Adaptive Immune System

What do viruses have to do with superinfection exclusion, interferon activation, antigen presentation, and antibody production?

Image by Yuri_B from Pixabay

Innate vs. Adaptive: The Two Arms of the Immune System

Innate immunity responds similarly to every pathogen. It is already “in-place” since birth; so, in this way, it’s innate. Because it is the first line of defense, it participates in the general elimination of pathogens. Most importantly, it signals and activates the adaptive arm of the immune system.

• Examples of innate immunity include the skin barrier, stomach acid, enzymes in tears, sneeze reflex, and certain white blood cells like neutrophils and macrophages.

Adaptive immunity responds differently to each pathogen. As follows, it needs time “to prepare” and only comes in when innate immunity fails. Because of its precision, it participates in the…