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Confusing question. Essentially, one way your body recognizes viruses by the antibodies it left behind the last time you were infected. Another is the sheer presence of something "different."

Antibodies (immunoglobulin) are Y-shaped proteins that are produced by plasma cells, and which have millions of variable. At each tip of the "Y" is an antigen binding site (paratope), in essence a lock. When your body comes into contact with a foreign pathogen or substance, the antibodies (epitopes) of the invader trigger the immune system to produce antibodies. the antibodies with paratopes that correspond to the epitopes of the invader are attached, and the invader is neutralized or killed.

The problem occurs when your body does notrecognize a virus or some other invader. At these times your body has no or reduced defense against the pathogen, and in serious cases (bubonic and pneumonic plagues, dengue and hemorrhagic fevers, ebola, haunta, super flues such as H1N1 or Swine Flu, and SARS) the immune system cannot fight it and becomes overrun.

Any invasion of the body by a foreign substance or pathogen automatically triggers an immune response. In very simple terms, the body produces what are called cytokines. Cytokine are cell-signalling proteins, peptides, and glycoproteins and are molecules that message the presence of any substance or pathogen they see as an invader. Cytokines are one of the first steps in the innate immune system, and can trigger the production of other cells, biochemicals, hormones, and other immunological responses that attack and work to remove the threat. How they mark and target invaders and initiate production of the various types of immunological response is still not very well known.

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13y ago

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Related Questions

The cell infected by a virus is referred to as the?

The cell infected by a virus is referred to as the host cell. The virus hijacks the host cell's machinery to replicate and produce more virus particles.


What is the cell that a virus infects?

Host Cell


How do you describe an active virus?

The virus attaches to the host cell, it takes over the functions of the host cell, and it eventually destroys it. If there was no host cell, the virus would die.


What is a virus called outside a host cell?

A virus outside a host cell is generally referred to as a virion. This is the inactive form of the virus that is unable to replicate until it enters a suitable host cell.


What advantage does a virus have when invading an organism if it incorporates part of a host cell membrane into its envelope?

By incorporating part of a host cell membrane into its envelope, a virus can disguise itself and evade detection by the host's immune system. This camouflage allows the virus to enter host cells more easily without triggering an immune response, increasing its chances of successful infection.


What stage is it when a virus enters a host cell?

The virus enters the host cell in the penetration phase.


Does the host cell usually benefit from having a virus?

The host cell does not benefit from having a virus. The virus usually kills it.


Why is the cell invaded by the virus called a host cell?

The cell invaded by the virus is called a host cell because it provides the environment and resources necessary for the virus to replicate and multiply. The virus uses the host cell's machinery to produce more viruses, ultimately leading to the destruction of the host cell.


What can a virus do without a host cell?

It can do nothing. It needs the host cell to make more virus particles.


What is a host cell for a virus?

A host cell for a virus is a cell that the virus can infect and hijack to replicate itself. The virus enters the host cell, takes over its machinery to produce more virus particles, and then spreads to infect other cells.


How does a virus attatch to a host cell?

A virus attaches to a host cell by recognizing and binding to specific proteins or receptors on the cell surface. This attachment is necessary for the virus to enter the host cell and begin the process of infection.


What is a process that a virus can do in a host?

First the virus enters the host cell, then the virus' hereditary material come, then the host cells hereditary material becomes viral, then the host cell expands, and then it POPS!!!