Figure 2: Uromodulin produced by urothelium inhibits adherence of UPEC; NGAL (neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin) inhibits iron receptors blocking bacterial capacity to proliferate; cathelicidin and other antimicrobial peptides cause membrane lysis; pentraxin 3 (PTX3) opsonizes uropathogens and facilitates their phagocytosis by neutrophils and macrophages; epithelial cells activate inflammasome trough TLRs, producing pro-inflammatory cytokines; adaptive immune response also participates with B lymphocytes producing antigen-specific IgA neutralizing uropathogens.