If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about the immune system, you’ve come to the right place. Biological processes are interconnected to protect an organism from diseases, but what do you really know about your body’s immune system? The immune system detects a variety of pathogens, including cancer cells and even things like wood splinters. It’s also able to distinguish pathogens from healthy tissues. So, what’s the best way to protect yourself? Here are some immune system facts:
Cell-mediated immunity is a type of immune response that protects the body from infection by fighting microbes and viruses that reside within its cells. The immune system produces antibodies for protection against these pathogens. B lymphocytes are the only cells that produce antibodies. They develop in the bone marrow and mature in the thymus. They then circulate in the blood, where they activate. Activated lymphocytes convert into plasma cells, which release antibodies. Cells that produce antibodies contain Class I Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules.
The innate immune system is our first line of defense against foreign agents. Think of it as the local police that never stops protecting our body from unwanted visitors. The cells in the innate immune system function in three major ways: recognition, activation, and elimination. In addition, the immune system is divided into two categories: innate immunity and adaptive immunity. The former provides protection against infections while the latter fights pathogens that invade our bodies.
