Oxidative burst

Oxidative Burst

The Oxidative Burst is a crucial process in the immune system of both plants and animals. It is a rapid release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from different types of cells. This process is primarily a defense mechanism against infection by pathogens.

Mechanism

The oxidative burst process is initiated when a pathogen is detected by the immune system. The phagocytes - a type of white blood cell - engulf the pathogen in a process known as phagocytosis. Once the pathogen is inside the phagocyte, the cell produces ROS such as hydrogen peroxide, superoxide and hydroxyl radical. These ROS are toxic to the pathogen and can kill or inhibit its growth.

Role in Immune Response

The oxidative burst is a key component of the innate immune response, the body's first line of defense against pathogens. It is also involved in the adaptive immune response, where it helps to regulate the activity of T cells and B cells, the cells responsible for specific immunity.

In Plants

In plants, the oxidative burst is part of the hypersensitive response, a form of programmed cell death that occurs in response to pathogen attack. The ROS produced during the oxidative burst can kill the pathogen directly or can signal other cells to strengthen their defenses.

Clinical Significance

Defects in the oxidative burst can lead to immune deficiency diseases, such as Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD), where the body is unable to effectively kill pathogens. On the other hand, excessive or inappropriate oxidative burst can contribute to inflammatory diseases and autoimmune diseases.

See Also

• Reactive Oxygen Species
• Phagocytosis
• Innate Immune Response
• Adaptive Immune Response
• Hypersensitive Response

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