How do enzymes attack infection?

Question

i am not referring to the C.C

Answer 1

Are you Referring to the Complement Cascade?

Answer 2

enzymes don't attack infection, white blood cells do, these are usually referred to as phagocytes (scientifically)

These use a process called phagocytosis, where it erects an all new plasma membrane (which is the same material & structure as the cell membrane) which envelopes foreign objects including dust, bacteria and other unwanteds. This is then brough inside the cell, there are little circular shaped organelles containing hydrolitic enzymes. This little organelle joins onto the side of the new membrane enclosed structure, and ejaculates its digestive juices into the inside. The foreign object consists usually of mostly protein so this can be broken apart by enzymes, also most other materials can be broken down aswell, except cellulose which is a main component of plant cell structure. Basically the enzymes will tear apart the foreign object bit by bit. Each enzyme targets only one type of substrate, so there is a nice little mix of goodies put in there. Then this phagocyte will use the materials broken down. or Possibly secrete them for use in the cell by other components.

Enzymes work by changing the shape slightly of their substrate (which is the thing it uses in its facilitated reaction) this allows a chemical reaction to occur without anywhere near as much energy input. Human enzymes work best at 37 degrees celsius, this is the amount of heat energy standardly needed to start off the chemical reaction after the enzyme bends the substrate a bit. Thats why humans are in dangerous conditions during fevers, if the temperature goes madly up, then the enzymes will crash into each other way too quickly than their designed to. This makes them in effect crumple, bonds breaking and they become totally useless....
But never fear, you can make new ones pretty quick, but staying in fever for long periods of time stops enzymes working within the body, so this for prolonged periods of time can lead to death, as the enzymes perform a rather important role, including aid in cell replication.

I like to think of phagocytosis as like breaking down an old brick house, then collecting all of the bricks to be reused elsewhere.

Answer 3

enzymes generally do not attack infections. infectious agents, in other words antigens are generally destroyed by the specific antibodies produced against them(MHC II system). on a more general plane, innate immunity can destroy them via macrophages and WBCs.these phagocytic cells however contain lysosomal enzymes, mostly acidic which in turn breakdown the patogenic proteins and dna and also the protein component of the affected cells of the body. in the GIT, the acidic environment of the stomach can destroy the bacteria or other pathogens ingested with food.