The innate immune response

- The innate immune response is described in an evolutionary perspective.
- The cellular and humoral branches of the innate immune response are discussed.
- Regulation of the immune response by the neuronal system is reviewed.

The innate immune response is of prime importance in the immediate recognition and elimination of invading micro-organisms. However, deregulation of this system is clearly associated with the pathogenesis of a wide range of inflammatory diseases. Innate immunity consists of a humoral and a cellular branch, which are closely interacting. An additional level of control is found at the level of neuronal reflexes that can fine-tune these immunological mechanisms.