Unfolded protein response A cellular stress response related to the endoplasmic reticulum stress. Type I interferon A large subgroup of interferon proteins that help regulate the activity of the immune system, and a pleiotropic cytokine with antiviral, antitumor and immunoregulatory functions. Mitogen-activated protein kinase Serine-threonine protein kinases, important molecules in mediating the signal transduction from cell surface to nucleus, regulating cellular activities such as gene expression, mitosis, differentiation, and cell survival/apoptosis. These mechanisms include physical barriers such as skin, chemicals in the blood, cytokine production and immune cells that attack foreign cells in the body. Innate immunity Refers to nonspecific defense mechanisms that come into play immediately or within hours upon pathogen recognition in the body. ER stress A cellular process that is triggered by a variety of conditions that disturb the folding of proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum. It allows the orderly degradation and recycling of cellular components. Autophagy The natural, regulated mechanism of the cell that removes unnecessary or dysfunctional components. Biochemical events lead to characteristic cell changes (morphology) and death. Apoptosis A form of programmed cell death that occurs in multicellular organisms.