What is the Immune System The immune system is a vast network of cells and tissues Located throughout your body Involves numerous types of cells organs proteins and tissues The immune system can distinguish between your tissues and foreign tissue invaders ID: 1032889
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1. Immune SystemEssential for Survival
2. What is the Immune System?The immune system is a vast network of cells and tissues.Located throughout your body.Involves numerous types of cells, organs, proteins, and tissues.The immune system can distinguish between your tissues and foreign tissue/ invaders.The immune system also identifies dead or faulty cells and rids the body of them.Once these foreign or dead tissues are identified, an attack is mounted.
3. White Blood CellsCalled leukocytesThey circulate in the body in your blood vessels and your lymphatic system (which parallels your veins and arteries).White blood cells are stored in organs called lymphoid organs:Thymus- located between the lungs and just below your neck.Spleen- an organ that filters the blood (located in the upper left of the abdomen)Bone Marrow- found in the centre of your bones and also produces red blood cells.Lymph nodes- small glands located in specific locations and are linked to your lymphatic vessels.
4. Main Types of Leukocytes- Phagocytes1. Phagocytes surround and absorb foreign pathogens, break them down, and essentially eat them.Types of Phagocytes include: Neutrophils (most common type and attack bacteria)Monocytes (largest type and have several roles)Macrophages (monitor for pathogens and remove dead and dying cells)Mast Cells (they have several tasks, including helping with healing wounds, and defending against pathogens)
5. Main Types of Leukocytes-LymphocytesHelp the body remember previous invaders and helps the body to recognize them if the invader comes back.These cells begin in the bone marrow. Some of these cells stay in the bone marrow and develop into B lymphocytes (B cells). These produce antibodies and alert the T lymphocytes.While others head to the thymus and develop into T lymphocytes (T cells). These destroy compromised cells in the body and help alert others leukocytes.
6. How Does it Work?The immune system needs to identify foreign invaders. It does this by detecting proteins that are found on the surface of all cells.It learns to ignore its own proteins.An antigen is any substance that activates an immune response.This can be a bacterium, a fungus, a virus, a toxin, or a foreign body. It can also be a faulty or dead cell.Initially, a range of cell types work together to recognize an antigen as an invader.
7. Role of B LymphocytesThe B lymphocytes spot the antigen and secrete antibodies (antigen is short for “antibody generators”).Antibodies then lock on the specific antigens.Each B cell makes specific antibodies (one makes one specific to a bacteria that causes pneumonia for example, another may recognize a common cold virus).Antibodies are a large family of chemicals (immunoglobulins), which play many roles in the immune response. Antibodies lock onto the antigen and mark it for death.The killing is done by other cells (phagocytes)
8. Immunoglobulins (Ig)IgG- marks microbes so other cells can recognize them and deal with them.IgM- are experts at killing bacteriaIgA- collects in fluids (tears, saliva, etc.) and protects these entry points into the body.IgE- protects against parasites. Also is responsible for allergies.IgD- stays bound to B lymphocytes, to assist with starting the immune response.
9. Role of T LymphocytesThere are distinct types of T Lymphocytes:Helper T cells (Th cells) coordinate the immune response. Some communicate with other cells, while others stimulate B cells to produce more antibodies. Others attract more T cells or phagocytes (cell-eating).Killer T cells (cytotoxic T lymphocytes) attack other cells and are useful for fighting viruses. They recognize small parts of the virus on the outside of infected cells and destroy the infected cells.
10. Immunity is UniqueThe more pathogens you are exposed to, generally the stronger your immune system becomes.Therefore, adults and teens tend to have better immune systems, than younger children.Once you have been exposed to an antigen, a copy remains in your body for quick identification in the future.That is the reason for example that you only get chicken pox once, and then your body identifies it in future exposures and is able to fight it off (called immunity).
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12. Adaptive/Acquired/Adaptive ImmunityThis immunity develops as we go through life and get exposed to various pathogens.This also develops from getting vaccinated.Similar to a library of antibodies specific to different pathogens.This can be referred to immunological memory, as our immune system remembers previous enemies.This immunity can last a lifetime.
13. Passive ImmunityBorrowed immunity/ antibodies from another source.Does not last indefinitely.Example of passive immunity:A baby receives antibodies from their mother through placenta before birth and breast milk after birth.This process protects the baby from some infections during their weeks and months.
14. Innate ImmunityEveryone is born with a certain level of immunity.This will attack foreign invaders from Day 1.This includes external barriers such as skin and mucous membranes of the throat and gut.The response is general and non-specific.If a pathogen gets past the innate immune system, it encounters acquired immunity.
15. ImmunizationsIntroduces antigens (or weakened pathogens) to an individual in a way that the individual does not get sick but still develops antibodies.The body then saves these copies in their library for future use if exposed to the pathogen, later in life.
16. Immune System DisordersImmunodeficiencies:These develop when one or more parts of your immune system do not function.Can be caused by age, obesity, alcoholism, malnutrition (in developing countries).AIDS is an example of an immunodeficiency.Immunodeficiencies can be inherited (chronic granulomatous disease affecting phagocytes)Autoimmunity: Mistakenly targets healthy cells, as opposed to foreign invaders or faulty cells because it is unable to determine the difference.Ex; celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and Graves disease.Hypersensitivity:This is when the immune system overreacts and damages healthy tissue.Ex; anaphylactic shock where the body responds so strongly that it can be life threatening.
17. Immune System and AgeAs we age, our immune response becomes reduced, which equals more infections and more cancer.Elderly are more likely to contract infectious diseases, compared to younger people (ex; influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia). This is not fully understood yet.Some scientists attribute this to a shrinking thymus which produces less T cells (which fight infection) or less bone marrow. There is a connection between nutrition and immunity in the elderly. Micronutrient malnutrition may be a concern and a discussion with a physician may be warranted, to determine if supplements should be implemented.
18. Which Foods Boost My Immune System?BlueberriesDark ChocolateTurmericOily FishBroccoliSweet PotatoesSpinachOrangesGarlic, etc.For more details and descriptions, visit https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322412#which-foods-boost-the-immune-system
19. More Foods That Help Build ImmunityCitrus fruitsRed bell peppersBroccoliGarlicYogourtAlmondsSunflower seedsPapayaFor further details related to the information above, see https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/foods-that-boost-the-immune-system#shellfish
20. What Lifestyle Changes Boost Immunity?Avoiding smoking.Regular exercise.Maintain a healthy weight.Avoid alcohol/ drink in moderation.Get sufficient sleep.Minimize stress.Practice good hand hygiene.Ensure proper oral care.Eat more whole plant foods.Eat more healthy fats.Stay hydrated.
21. Supplements that Can Help Build ImmunityVitamin CGreen tea extract.Zinc.Elderberry.Vitamin D.Echinacea.For studies connected to this information, visit https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-boost-immune-health#9.-Supplement-wisely
22. COVID-19 and ImmunityHerd immunity is defined and discussed through natural infection and through vaccinations at the following link: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/herd-immunity-and-coronavirus/art-20486808
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24. Referenceshttps://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320101https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322412#summary