How do Host Cells Respond to Intracellular Pathogens?
Host cells have evolved various mechanisms to detect and eliminate intracellular pathogens:
Autophagy: A process where the cell engulfs and degrades intracellular pathogens within autophagosomes. Interferon Response: The production of interferons helps in activating immune cells and inducing an antiviral state in neighboring cells. Apoptosis: Programmed cell death can limit the spread of intracellular pathogens by sacrificing infected cells. Presentation of Antigens: Infected cells present pathogen-derived antigens on their surface via MHC molecules, alerting immune cells to the infection.
