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Immune System
This category is for questions about how our bodies identify and fight off disease, infection or pathogens through specialized cells, tissues and organs. The system that does this is called the immune system. It produces antibodies which recognize intruders and neutralizes potentially pathogenic organisms or substances.
4,548 Questions
What are the two principal reactions of innate immunity?
The two main reactions of innate immunity are
- inflammation
- anti-viral defence
One of the monokines, IL-1, is released from activated macrophages and damaged endothelium. IL-1 is the initial signal for activation of T-cells, neutrophils (in local inflammation). IL-1 stimulates bone marrow, acute-phase protein synthesis and is responsible for the induction of a fever (Staines et al, 1994).
How does massage therapy enhance the immune system?
Massage may enhance the immune system. A study suggests an increase in cytotoxic capacity associated with massage.
What is a sedimentation rate-westergren test?
Erythrocytes sedimentation rate (ESR), Westergren method,(Sed Rate) is blood test measures how quickly red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle in a test tube. The more red cells that fall to the bottom of a special test tube in one hour, the higher the sed rate.
When inflammation is present in the body, certain proteins cause red blood cells to stick together and fall more quickly than normal to the bottom of the tube. These proteins are produced by the liver and the immune system under many abnormal conditions, such as an infection, an autoimmune disease, and cancer. There are many possible causes of an elevated sedimentation rate. For this reason, a sed rate blood test is done with other tests to confirm a diagnosis. Once a sed rate blood test is conducted, the course of the disease or the effectiveness of treatment can be monitored.
The normal sedimentation rate (Westergren method) for males is 0-15 millimeters per hour, and for females is 0-20 millimeters per hour. The sedimentation rate can be slightly more elevated in the elderly and is much lower for children.
What diseases are related to supressed immune system?
AIDS is a common immune system suppressor disease.
What are the three types of granular leukocytes?
The three Granular leukocytes are Neutrophils, Basophils, and Eosinophils.
Can an antibody recognise a wide range of microorganisms?
No, antibodies respond to very specific chemicals, usually associated with only a single microorganism.
How does Wegener's granulomatosis affect the immune system?
In WG, the antibodies that are formed are directed against the white blood cells of the immune system. They are therefore called "auto-antibodies"
Can viruses be inactive for years?
yes
After a child gets chickenpox and overcomes it, the chickenpox virus can remain inactive in him for over 50 years then become active again in the form of a painful rash known as shingles.
Some people can get infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or the Hepatitis C virus and not show symptoms for years. Those people can infect others who come into contact with their blood or other bodily fluids (saliva is OK) without even knowing that they carry a deadly virus. That's why you should never let someone else's blood touch you unless you're certain that they have recently tested negative for harmful bloodborne pathogens.
How does a healthy immune system keep Serratia marcescens in check?
A healthy immune system keeps the Serratia marcescens in check simply by keeping you healthy and warning your body if there is anything wrong with your Serratia Marcenscens.
Which white blood cell is important in removing foreign bacteria?
There are six main types of white blood cells neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, bands, monocytes and lymphocytes. Neutrophils, which make up about 58% of the white blood cells in the body, are the body's main defense against bacteria. Monocytes also play a role in bacteria removal.
What immune system is activated if the innate immune system is unable to control the infection?
The adaptive immune system is activated if the innate immune system is unable to control the infection.
Why do you need short fingernails for piano?
As present you need short nails to play the piano because your fingers would be formly attach to bring out the magic of the music
Why causes a tongue scalloped edges?
According to the famed nutritionist, Dr. Gillian McKeith, a scalloped tongue is caused by a sluggish or weak spleen. Your spleen is considered your energy battery. If you have a midline tongue crack it also indicates weak digestion. You could be taking all your vitamins but not digesting them. One of the best foods to heal the spleen is millet. On her website she has a recipe for millet mashed potatoes. Just do a search under her name. I also recommend reading her book "Dr. Gillian McKeith's Living Food for Health". I study nutrition and I have found this book an invaluable asset.
What is the difference between neutrophil segs and bands?
Segs are more mature neutrophils (a type of white blood cell involved in preventing bacterial infection). Bands are more immature. Increased segs and bands (particularly bands) are often concerning for an acute (bacterial) infection
T- lymphocytes are the "Generals of the immune system" and direct much of the immune response. Their biggest role is in telling B lymphocytes to make antibodies but they also have other functions.
Antibodies have the main job of flagging foreign bodies by connecting to the antigens on the pathogen surface, they do not destroy it however. They alert Macrophages (a form of phagocyte) to engulf the pathogen enclosing it into a pathogenic vacuole and lysosymes containing digestive enzymes fuse into the vacuole. This leads to the eventual immunity of a specific pathogen.
A hapten is a small molecule that can elicit an immune response only when conjugated with a large carrier such as a protein. Typical haptens include drugs, urushiol, quinone, steroids, etc. This is what I read on Creative Biolabs.
What are plasma proteins that non specifically bind to pathogens?
Nonspecific plasma proteins that bind to pathogens are:
- Non-phagocytic leucocytes -
- Basophil. which contains granules of toxic chemicals that can digest foreign microorganisms. They are involved in allergic response.
- Mast Cells - They are similar to basophils, and contain inflammatory chemicals including histamine and seratonin that cause blood vessels near a wound to constrict.
- Complement proteins are plasma proteins which have a role in nonspecific and specific defenses.
What are endocrine secretions?
Usually hormones. There are more than one type of endocrine secretors in the body though.
With vaccination your body mounts an immune response to the pathogen. You learn what the pathogen looks like and make antibodies (gamma globulin) against it. You then get memory cells which can last a very long time and will let your body respond and fight off the pathogen the next time you are exposed.
Gamma globulin is just an antibody that will circulate in your blood and and fight off the pathogens it was made against. You will not mount an immune response, and you will not get memory cells for long lasting protection.
