Universidad Técnica de Machala

Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y de la Salud

Carrera de Bioquímica y Farmacia

IMMUNE RESPONSES
TO BACTERIA

Via complement-mediated lysis

The classical complement pathway begins
with antibody binding to bacteria, leading to
membrane attack complex (MAC) formation.
The alternative pathway activates
complement proteins directly for bacterial
lysis. In the lectin pathway, mannan-binding
lectin (MBL) and MBL-activated serine
protease (MASP) trigger MAC formation,
particularly effective against mannose-
containing bacteria like Salmonella spp. This
provides a versatile immune defense against
diverse pathogens.

Via phagocytosis
Phagocytes eliminate bacteria through
opsonization, where proteins like
Complement C3b bind to bacterial
surfaces, aiding recognition by
phagocytic cells. This process is
crucial, particularly against Gram-
positive bacteria. After engulfing
opsonized bacteria, phagocytes
internally kill them, presenting
resulting fragments on their surfaces
via MHC class II molecules.

Via cell-mediated immunity

Intracellular bacteria, like Salmonella
spp., escape phagocyte detection by
residing within cell compartments.
Through a cell-mediated response,
infected macrophages present bacterial
peptides on their surfaces via MHC class
II molecules. Th1 cells release IFN-g upon
detecting bacterial peptides, stimulating
killing mechanisms within macrophages
and enhancing antigen presentation to
make the bacterium more vulnerable to
immune attack.