How does lysozyme in the skin, tears, and saliva protect against bacteria?
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immune system
Stimulation of immune response by activated helper T cells. Activated by complex interaction with molecules on the surface of a macrophage or some other antigen-presenting cell, a helper T cell proliferates into two general subtypes, TH1 and TH2. These in turn stimulate the complex pathways of the cell-mediated immune response and the humoral immune response, respectively.
Lysozyme is an enzyme that serves as a critical component of the body's innate immune defense by acting as a bacteriolytic agent. It is found in various secretions, including tears, saliva, and nasal mucus.12
The enzyme protects against bacterial infection by catalyzing the hydrolysis of peptidoglycan, a structural carbohydrate found in the cell walls of certain bacteria. By breaking down these cell walls, lysozyme effectively destroys the bacteria, thereby preventing infection in sensitive areas such as the cornea of the eye.12