When pathogens make it past the skin and mucus barriers the next part of nonspecific defense uses what proteins to fight pathogens?

When pathogens breach the skin and mucus barriers, the next line of nonspecific defense involves the use of proteins known as cytokines and complement proteins. Cytokines facilitate communication between immune cells, enhancing the inflammatory response and activating other immune components. Complement proteins can directly lyse pathogens or mark them for destruction by phagocytes, thereby playing a crucial role in the innate immune response. Together, these proteins help to swiftly identify and eliminate invading pathogens.