ROS and innate immunity
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Using RNA-interference to Investigate the Innate Immune Response in Mouse Macrophages
Published on: November 3, 2014
Chie Kohchi1, Hiroyuki Inagawa, Takashi Nishizawa
1Department of Integrated and Holistic Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kida-gun, Kagawa-ken, Japan.
Abstract:
Oxygen is converted into reactive oxygen (RO) by radiation, light, the electron transport system in mitochondria, or by other enzymes and is regulated by the action of antioxidative enzymes which convert RO into an inactive state. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have a biocidal effect on invading bacteria and they can also injure the cells of the host. For this reason, RO is considered as a general cause of aging and contributes to lifestyle-related diseases and cancer. However, for any organism that uses oxygen as an energy source, RO is inevitably produced and has important biological significance. Apart from the direct activity of RO, recent studies have shown that it functions as a second messenger of signal transduction. In this review, the recent findings related to ROS/nitric oxide (NO) and especially of its relationship to innate immunity are summarized.
Related Concept Videos
Introduction to Innate and Adaptive Immunity
Innate immunity is the body's natural, nonspecific defense system that acts quickly to protect against pathogens. It incorporates physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes and cellular elements such as phagocytes and natural killer cells. This part of our immune system provides an immediate,...
What is the Immune System?
Cells of the Innate Immune Response
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
Introduction to Lymphatic and Immune System
The immune responses can be categorized into two types: innate and adaptive. Innate immunity comprises nonspecific defenses we are born...
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.

