What is the function of pyrogens in the immune response?

Pyrogens play a crucial role in the immune response by inducing fever. When a pathogen invades the body, pyrogens, which can be either endogenous (produced by the body) or exogenous (coming from outside the body, like bacterial toxins), circulate in the bloodstream and signal the hypothalamus in the brain to raise the body's temperature. This increase in body temperature is part of the body's defense mechanism because elevated temperatures can enhance the activity of immune cells, inhibit the growth of certain pathogens, and create an environment less favorable for their survival.

Utilizing fever as a defense strategy highlights the body's complex and adaptive immune responses to infection, and pyrogens are central to this process. By understanding how pyrogens function, it becomes clear that their role is integral to the fever response, impacting the overall immune system's capability to combat infections effectively.