What is the function of inflammatory cytokines released during the early response to bacterial infection?
A.
Enhancing the phagocytosis of pathogens and disrupting the infection
B.
Attacking invading pathogens
C.
Initiating cell recruitment and local inflammation
D.
Secreting antibodies to neutralize pathogens .
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is C. Initiating cell recruitment and local inflammation.
Inflammatory cytokines play a crucial role in the early immune response to bacterial infections. When pathogens invade the body, immune cells, particularly macrophages and dendritic cells, recognize these invaders through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). This recognition triggers the release of various pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α).
These cytokines serve several key functions in orchestrating the immune response. First, they initiate local inflammation by promoting vasodilation and increasing vascular permeability. This allows more immune cells, such as neutrophils and monocytes, to migrate from the bloodstream to the site of infection, where they can engage and eliminate the pathogens. The recruitment of these cells is critical for forming a rapid immune response to contain and eliminate the infection.
Additionally, inflammatory cytokines enhance the expression of adhesion molecules on endothelial cells, facilitating the adherence of immune cells to the vessel walls and their subsequent movement into the tissues. This process is vital for amplifying the immune response, as it ensures that sufficient immune effector cells are available at the infection site.
Furthermore, inflammatory cytokines can induce the production of acute phase proteins by the liver, which play supportive roles in the immune response, such as opsonization, making pathogens easier for immune cells to recognize and eliminate.
In summary, the primary function of inflammatory cytokines during the early response to bacterial infection is to initiate cell recruitment and promote local inflammation, creating an environment conducive to fighting off the infection. They do not directly attack pathogens or secrete antibodies; instead, they facilitate the recruitment and activation of the cells that perform these essential tasks.