The immune system is made up of a complex network of different
cells (white blood cells), proteins (antibodies) and organs.
Responsibilities of an immune system
A human body is always exposed to several, harmful foreign
elements -- like various organisms and viruses. Bacteria, parasites, fungi are
those living organisms that can induce diseases in the human body. Viruses are
also foreign invaders that are responsible for many diseases, but they are not
considered as living beings since they are not made up of living cells.
The immune system is responsible in fighting all these pathogens
that enter the body and cause diseases. Apart from that, the immune system also
neutralizes body cells that have malfunctioned due to different diseases.
How a healthy immune system helps in fighting diseases?
The immune system comprises two parts: the innate part and
the adaptive part. Innate immune system comprises white blood cells that ensure
general defense against pathogens. While the adaptive system works more
specifically to target pathogens with the help of specialized proteins called
antibodies. The adaptive immune system learns and adapts with time to fight
against a range of viruses and parasites.
Whenever the natural barrier of the human body is breached,
the first line of defense i.e. the innate immune system comes into play. The
phagocyte family of white blood cells, consists of dendritic cells, macrophages
, and granulocytes which are part of the innate immune system neutralizes those
bacteria, germs and foreign invaders by ingesting and engulfing harmful foreign
elements. These actions underline the working of the innate immune system.
If invading pathogens are more complex in nature or
outnumber the phagocytes, then innate immune system signals more specialized
cells to fight against them. These specialized cells are collectively known as lymphocytes
and they are part of the adaptive immune system.
Lymphocytes consist of T and B cells which are also known as
T and B lymphocytes. These are specialized cells that recognize pathogens by the
proteins that are attached to their surfaces called antigens. T cells are
responsible for various tasks; they kill infected cells, communicate with other
components of the immune system through cytokines and also help B cells to produce
antibodies. Antibodies are specialized proteins that bind to the antigens of
pathogens to mark them as dangerous cells which then help the immune system to
identify and destroy them.
When a healthy immune system is at work, we don’t even recognize
that they are fighting all the time to protect the physical and mental
wellbeing of the person. When an immune system doesn’t work efficiently, we encounter
diseases more often and become more vulnerable to viral diseases. In the worst
case scenario, the faulty immune system can result into autoimmune diseases.
Sources
..........................................................................................................................................................
DR. JESSE A. STOFF is an internationally renowned physician with extensive credentials in clinical immunology and holistic medicine. A graduate of New York Medical College , he pursued extensive post-doctoral training including a fellow- ship at the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital in London , England
This article is produced and written by the writing team at IMMUNOLOGY TODAY- The Official Newsletter of Integrative Medicine of N.Y. of Westbury NY-- Edited and co-published by Dr. Jesse A. Stoff exclusively for the purposes of this blogpost (Immunology Today) and rejuvenatesoliutions.com The publisher(s) hold all rights (c) to all elements, images and content herein. All distribution, sharing or re-posting of this article is only with the express permission from Dr. Stoff and Integrative Medicine of NY (formerly Linchitz Medical Wellness). 265 Post Ave. Suite 380 Westbury, NY 11590 | 516.759.4200 | www.StoffImmunology.com. Rejuvenate! is a registered trademark of Intermedia Communications Ltd. All written content in this newsletter is produced by the Stoff Institute for Medical Research (SIMR) exclusively for private distribution at the Integrative Medicine of NY ©2016- All Rights Reserved.
DISCLAIMER: All information provided in this article is intended as general public information and is not intended to treat or cure any disease or disorder. Dr. Jesse A. Stoff, Integrative medicine of NY, nor any individual or practitioner associated with the publishing of this article is not liable for any damages resulting from the use of the information on this article. As a visitor of this blogsite, you acknowledge and agree that any reliance on or use by you of any information available on this Internet web site shall be entirely at your own risk. In no event shall the owner or operator be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential or exemplary damages arising from the use or the performance of this Internet web site, even if the owner or operator has been advised of the possibility of such damages. While every attempt has been made to verify the information on this website, neither the owners, distributors, agents, publishers or their affiliates assume any responsibility or liability for any error, inaccuracies, omissions in the same, or related to results from use of these materials. No party is liable for any direct, incidental, consequential, indirect, or punitive damages arising out of your access to, or use of this blogsite and the contents herein.
