Host immune response

The host immune response refers to the highly coordinated processes by which the human body recognizes and defends itself against harmful pathogens and foreign substances. It consists of two principal branches: *innate immunity*, which provides rapid, non-specific defense through physical barriers, phagocytes, and inflammatory mediators; and *adaptive immunity*, which develops more gradually and relies on antigen-specific lymphocyte activation, antibody production, and immunological memory. Immune responses involve complex signaling cascades, cellular interactions, and effector mechanisms including cytokine release, antibody production, inflammation, and the killing or clearance of pathogens. Dysregulation or inappropriate activation of these responses can lead to immune-mediated diseases such as autoimmunity, allergies, or chronic inflammation[1][2][4][5][6].

Other names

Host defenseImmune responseImmunological responseHost defense mechanisms