Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam Practice 2026 – Comprehensive Prep

The liver plays a crucial role in the immune response by producing immune factors, such as proteins that are essential for the immune system's function. One of the most significant types of immune factors produced by the liver is complement proteins, which enhance the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear pathogens from an organism. These immune factors help to opsonize pathogens, making them easier for immune cells to identify and destroy.

In addition to complement proteins, the liver also synthesizes acute-phase proteins, such as C-reactive protein, which are involved in the inflammatory response that occurs during infection. By releasing these immune factors into the bloodstream, the liver helps to coordinate the overall immune response, facilitating the body's ability to resist infection effectively.

While the liver does have roles in filtering blood and maintaining overall homeostasis, these functions are not specifically aimed at resisting infections in the way the production of immune factors is. Increasing white blood cell count is primarily regulated by other organs, such as the bone marrow, rather than being a direct function of the liver. Therefore, the production of immune factors represents a direct contribution to the body's defense against infections.