The intestinal epithelium is a monolayer of polarized columnar cells that act as border between the host and its environment are first line defence against luminal microbes. In addition to providing physical barrier, possesses multitude active mechanisms fight invading pathogens regulate composition spatial distribution commensals. different epithelial cell types have unique functions in this c...

The article presents theoretical and empirical studies of cognitive styles, mental representation, coping behaviour mechanisms psychological defence. influence styles is described: rigid/flexible control, narrow/wide range equivalence, simplicity/complexity on defence mechanisms. tendency respondents with flexible control to assess a difficult life situation through time characteristics, associ...

Plants have evolved intricate defence mechanisms to cope with the wide array of microbial pathogens they encounter. The identification of Sgt1 as an essential component of R gene-mediated disease resistance suggests that the ubiquitin protein degradation pathway plays an important role in plant defence.

Why are some defence mechanisms expressed constitutively, while others are induced only upon exposure? Experimental evolution in a bacteria-phage system provides empirical support for the prediction that high frequency of exposure to parasites selects for constitutive defence despite associated costs.

Non-immunological defence mechanisms represent an important line of intestinal defence in addition to humoral and cellular immunity. This review summarises the evidence for the role of the non-immunological defence system. Protective factors that have been amply documented are gastric juice, intestinal motility, and intestinal flora. Components of pancreatic juice, lysozyme, and epithelial cell...

Long-lived tree species are subject to attack by various pests and pathogens during their lifetime. This problem is exacerbated by climate change, which may increase the host range for pathogens and extend the period of infestation by pests. Plant defences may involve preformed barriers or induced resistance mechanisms based on recognition of the invader, complex signalling cascades, hormone si...

This paper describes a set of criteria for evaluating defence mechanisms against flooding denial of service (DoS) attacks. Effectiveness and usefulness of a defence mechanism in mitigating a DoS attack depends on many issues which are presented here in the form of a taxonomy. The primary goal of this taxonomy is to help in getting a comprehensive view on both the strengths and weaknesses of a s...

Avian brood parasites reduce the reproductive output of their hosts and thereby select for defence mechanisms such as ejection of parasitic eggs. Such defence mechanisms simultaneously select for counter-defences in brood parasites, causing a coevolutionary arms race. Although coevolutionary models assume that defences and counter-defences are genetically influenced, this has never been demonst...