Which of the following examples best illustrates the function of the innate immune response?

The innate immune response is the body’s first, non‑specific line of defense that reacts immediately to any invading pathogen. When a person touches a surface contaminated with bacteria, skin cells and macrophages recognize common bacterial molecules through pattern‑recognition receptors and quickly engulf the bacteria, releasing inflammatory signals. These signals recruit more immune cells and trigger inflammation, which limits the spread of the infection before the adaptive immune system can tailor a specific response. This rapid, general reaction—without prior exposure or antibody production—illustrates the innate immune response in action.