Name Class Date
Nonspecific Defenses
Nonspecific defenses are immune responses that do not distin-
guish between one pathogen and another.
Use the words below to complete the table. The first one has been done
for you.
cilia inflammatory response skin
fever interferon
Nonspecific Defense / RoleMucus / traps pathogens in the nose and throat
increases body temperature to slow the
growth of pathogens
inhibits the synthesis of viral proteins and
helps block viral replication
push pathogens away from the lungs
provides a barrier that prevents pathogens
from entering the body
produces white blood cells to fight infection
Use the table to answer the question. Circle the correct answer.
1. Which nonspecific defense, considered part of the first line of
defense, helps keep pathogens out of the body?
skin fever
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231
Name Class Date
Humoral Immunity
When an antigen first enters the body, some B cells recognize the
antigen. They grow and divide rapidly, producing plasma cells
and memory B cells. The plasma cells produce antibodies against
the antigen. The memory B cells remain able to produce those
antibodies. The next time that antigen enters the body, the body’s
reaction is much faster.
C
B
Identify each step shown in the diagram. Write A, B, or C to match the
descriptions with the diagram above.
Antigen binds to B cell.
Some B cells develop into memory B cells.
Some B cells develop into plasma cells. Plasma cells
produce antibodies that are released into the bloodstream.
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232
Name Class Date
Cell-Mediated Immunity
When a body cell becomes infected with a pathogen, cell-mediated
immunity occurs. Different types of T cells are involved in cell-
mediated immunity. These include killer T cells, helper T cells,
suppressor T cells, and memory T cells.
The table describes the function of four different types of T cells. Use the
words below to complete the table. The first one has been done for you.
helper T cell killer T cell suppressor T cell
Type of T cell / Functionmemory T cell / Causes a secondary response if a pathogen that has
already caused a response enters the body again
Releases substances that shut down killer T cells
Finds and destroys cells infected with a pathogen
Produces memory T cells
Answer the questions.
1. Which provides a defense against body cells that have become
infected with a pathogen?
cell-mediated immunity humoral immunity
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233
2. Why might patients that receive organ transplants need to take
medicines that suppress the cell-mediated immune response?