Immune effector mechanism

The term "immune effector mechanisms" refers to the variety of molecular, cellular, and tissue-level responses activated during an immune response to eliminate foreign antigens, infected or abnormal cells, or to resolve inflammation. These mechanisms involve both the innate and adaptive immune systems and include antibody secretion by plasma cells, phagocytosis by neutrophils and macrophages, production of cytotoxic molecules by cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells, complement activation, release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and cell-mediated cytotoxicity. The effector phase follows antigen recognition and lymphocyte activation, culminating in the removal of pathogens or infected cells, but can also cause tissue damage if dysregulated[1][5][2][9].

Other names

Effector mechanisms of immunityImmune effector functionsImmune effector responseEffector phase (of immunity)