Respiratory burst is a rapid release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by phagocytes, such as neutrophils and macrophages, in response to pathogen recognition. This process enhances the killing of pathogens through oxidative stress, playing a critical role in the immune response. It is closely linked to pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that identify pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), triggering the activation of signaling pathways that culminate in this oxidative burst.