INFLAMMATION TO THE RESCUE

HOW THE BODY FIGHTS INFECTION 1 First responders Trillions of white blood cells circulating in the bloodstream are mustered to the infected area in 15 to 20 minutes. 2 The heat of battle Macrophages (meaning “big eaters” in Greek) strategically stationed throughout the body seek out, engulf, and devour the bacterial invaders. 3 Calling in the reserves Macrophages also release proteins called cytokines, which dilate blood vessels. A flood of other white blood cells, including short-lived neutrophils, can now exit the bloodstream and join the fight. 4 Sharing reconnaissance As the battle subsides, data-collecting dendritic cells relay information about the pathogen’s proteins to nearby lymph nodes. 5 Long-term defenses Formed in bone marrow, T and B cells now residing in the lymph nodes use this protein information to help B cells create antibodies that will protect against future attacks. GRAPHIC: NGM…