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Understanding the Immune System: A Comprehensive Review of its Role and Impact

Writer's picture: Rashmitha BathinaRashmitha Bathina

Introduction:

The immune system is responsible for safeguarding the body against infections and diseases caused due to harmful pathogens. It comprises an intricate interplay of tissues, cells, and organs devoted to detecting and preventing the presence of unfamiliar materials. This review aims to delve into the anatomy of the immune system, its functions, and the several types of immune cells that participate in the response to infections. We will examine how the immune system affects human health, including the outcomes of weakened or hyperactive immunity.


The immune system is a complex network of biological processes and structures that work together to defend the body against harmful pathogens and diseases. Throughout our bodies, various cells, tissues, and organs work in unison to detect and eliminate foreign invaders, safeguarding us from infection. Numerous types of immune cells play a vital role in our ability to ward off infections, and this article provides a thorough overview of them.



The Immune System Components:

The immune system comprises the innate immune system and the adaptive immune system. The innate immune system is responsible for defending against foreign intruders and divides into two categories: Non-specific External Immune Response (1st) and Non-specific Internal Immune Response (2nd).

Non-specific External Immune Response (1st) contains physical barriers like skin, wax, hair, and mucous membranes.

  • For instance, ear wax traps bacteria and stops growth. Hair also guards the entrance to the nostrils and external ear.

  • Dead skin cells constantly slough off, making it difficult for invading bacteria to enter.

  • Mucus (snot) traps viruses, bacteria, dust, pollen, and other things sending them out through the mouth, nose, or down to the stomach for destruction.

  • Sweat and oils contain anti-microbial chemicals and some antibiotics.


The Non-Specific Internal Immune Response (2nd) involves various immune cells like neutrophils, macrophages, natural killer cells, and phagocytes.

  • Phagocytes are white blood cells that destroy invaders and damaged cells by eating them. Phagocytes are found in pus from infected wounds and are attracted to damaged cells during the inflammatory response.

  • Inflammation occurs when mast cells release histamine, which brings fluids to the affected area. An antihistamine can dry up a runny nose, but histamine is necessary for diluting toxins and swelling around an injury. Histamine also raises tissue temperature, which kills temperature-sensitive microbes.

  • Fever occurs when the body's temperature is higher than typical, and it is a natural defense mechanism against fungi, drugs, bacteria, viruses, and other toxins that cannot survive at higher temperatures. Fevers fight viral infections by increasing the production of interferon.








The adaptive immune system is a specialized defense mechanism that responds to specific pathogens. It involves active B and T cells, which produce antibodies and target infected cells.

  • T cells, including helper and killer cells, are named after the thymus, an organ under the breastbone. They are produced in the bone marrow and mature in the thymus. Helper T cells are the primary regulators of the immune defense, responsible for activating B cells and killer T cells.


  • B Cells are made in Bone marrow and attack invaders in the blood by making one specific antibody which they 'tag' invaders. They can make antibodies quicker the next time, allowing the body to resist being infected by the same disease more than once.



  • Macrophages are white blood cells within tissues helping to initiate a specific defensive response. Macrophages engulf cellular debris and pathogens stimulating lymphocytes to respond. Macrophages also play an essential role in immune regulation and wound healing.










Functions of the Immune System:

The body's immune system is crucial for protection against diseases. It performs various functions like detecting and eliminating harmful pathogens, preventing cancer cell growth, and promoting the healing of damaged tissues. The immune response works through a complex interaction between immune cells, cytokines, and chemokines. There are various types of immune cells, each serving a specific function. These include T cells, B cells, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, and neutrophils. T and B cells produce antibodies and eliminate infected cells, while natural killer cells directly destroy infected cells. Dendritic cells, macrophages, and neutrophils participate in antigen presentation and phagocytosis.


Impact of the Immune System on Human Health:

The immune system is a vital component of human health. When it malfunctions, it can result in various illnesses. A compromised immune system can heighten the likelihood of infection and cancer, while an excessively active one can trigger autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Immunodeficiency illnesses like HIV/AIDS can weaken the immune system, leaving individuals more susceptible to opportunistic infections.


Conclusion:

The immune system is essential for maintaining human health by safeguarding the body against harmful pathogens and illnesses. It is a complicated system of cells, tissues, and organs collaborating to identify and eliminate foreign invaders. By comprehending the immune system, we can appreciate its significance in preserving human well-being and creating innovative therapies for diseases that affect it.


References:


Better Health Channel (n.d.). Immune System Explained. Betterhealth.vic.gov.au. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/immune-system


Johns Hopkins Medicine (n.d.). The Immune System. Hopkinsmedicine.org. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/the-immune-system


Appendix/Supplementary Information:

Cleveland Clinic (n.d.). Immune System. Clevelandclinic.org. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21196-immune-system


BioInteractive (n.d.). Immune System. Biointeractive.org. https://www.biointeractive.org/classroom-resources/immune-system


[Alila Medical Media]. (2018, December 11). The Immune System Overview, Animation [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxC-3MpIMUo


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