Immune System Function & Disorder

 

Your body's first line of defense against invaders, such as germs, is your immune system. It keeps you healthy and speeds up your recovery from injuries or illnesses. By eating a nutritious diet, exercising, and getting enough sleep, you can boost your immune system.

A network of biological mechanisms called the immune system protects against illness in living things. In order to differentiate them from the organism's healthy tissue, it can identify and react to a broad range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, cancer cells, parasitic worms, and things like wood splinters. There are two main immune system subsystems in many species. In response to a wide range of circumstances and stimuli, the innate immune system offers a predetermined reaction. By learning to identify chemicals it has already come into contact with, the adaptive immune system uniquely responds to each stimulus. Both rely on cells and molecules to carry out their tasks.

Also Read: 23 High-Protein Foods

What is the immune system?

A vast network of organs, white blood cells, proteins, and chemicals makes up your immune system. Together, these parts shield you from pathogens and other threats. Additionally, your immune system aids in the body's recovery from infections and injuries.

How does the immune system function?

Your immune system puts forth a lot of effort to maintain your health. It accomplishes this by:

• Keeping your body free of invaders, such as germs.

• Eradicating invaders.

• Reducing the amount of damage the invaders can cause if they manage to get inside your body.

• Repairing body harm.

• Adjusting to fresh dangers and difficulties.

• Your immune system defends you against the following invaders:

• Bacteria.

• Viruses.

• Bacteria that can lead to infections.

• Parasites.

• Cancer cells.

What is the immune system's mechanism?

Your immune system is functioning properly when it:

• Distinguishes between cells that belong in your body and those that don't.

• Mobilizes and activates to kill potentially harmful germs.

• Stops an attack when the danger has passed.

• Develops antibodies against germs and learns about them after coming into contact with them.

• Sends antibodies that destroy future germs invasions of your body.

However, this isn't always the case. Your immune system may malfunction from time to time. For instance, it might respond too forcefully or be too weak to fight off invaders.

Immune system weakness

 Your immune system can be weakened by a variety of conditions, leaving you more vulnerable to infection.  Birth defects are less common than conditions like cancer and Type 2 diabetes that appear later in life.

 Immune system overactivity

 On the other extreme, your immune system might respond excessively to perceived or actual invaders.  In the absence of an invader, it might launch an attack.  Alternatively, after eliminating an intruder, it might continue to attack.  Issues like autoimmune diseases or allergic reactions can result from an overactive immune system.

Anatomy 

Which bodily parts make up the immune system?

Your body's organs and cells, including the immune system, cooperate to maintain your health. Your immune system's primary constituents are:

• White blood cells. To keep you healthy, these immune system cells target and destroy dangerous pathogens. White blood cells come in a variety of forms, and each one serves a distinct purpose in your body's defense system. Additionally, each type has a unique method for identifying issues, interacting with other cells, and completing tasks.

• Antibodies. These proteins bind to invaders and start the process of destroying them, protecting you from damage.

• Cytokines. Your immune cells use these proteins as chemical messengers to tell them where to go and what to do. Certain cytokine types perform distinct functions, such as controlling inflammation. When your immune cells are repairing tissue damage or warding off invaders, inflammation results.

• Complement system. Together with other cells in your body, this protein group works to protect you from invaders and aid in the recovery process following an injury or infection.

• Lymph nodes. These tiny, bean-shaped organs function similarly to pasta colanders. They retain the beneficial elements, such as nutrients, while filtering out waste from the lymph, the fluid that drains from your tissues and cells. Your body contains hundreds of lymph nodes, which are an essential component of your lymphatic system.

• Adenoids and tonsils.  The tonsils and adenoids, which are found in your throat and nasal passage, have the ability to capture invaders (such as bacteria or viruses) as soon as they enter your body.

•  Thymus.  Before T-cells, a particular kind of white blood cell, move to other parts of your body to defend you, this tiny organ aids in their maturation.

•  Bone marrow.  Your bones' soft, adipose tissue functions as a blood cell factory.  It produces the white blood cells that help your immune system function as well as the other blood cells your body needs to survive.

•  Skin.  Your skin serves as a barrier to keep pathogens out of your body.  It releases other immune system cells that provide protection and produce oils.

The difference between acquired and innate immunity

 Innate immunity: 

This type of defense is something you are born with.  Your body's first line of defense includes your innate immune system.  It immediately attacks any organism that shouldn't be in your body in response to invaders.  It can distinguish between cells that belong in your body and those that don't without any prior training.

 Certain invaders are not recognized by the white blood cells that are part of innate immunity.  Additionally, they don't remember attacking invaders and don't provide defense against particular germs or the infections they cause in the future.

Acquired immunity:

Acquired immunity enters the picture here. Acquired immunity, sometimes referred to as adaptive or particular immunity, is the defense your body develops over time as a result of being exposed to pathogens. Certain white blood cells known as lymphocytes are able to recognize when an invasion is not welcome in your body and can recall specific invaders. Therefore, the lymphocytes can act fast and cooperate with other cells to eradicate the threat if those invaders attempt to enter again.

By teaching your cells to recognize and eliminate intruders before they cause sickness, vaccines help you maintain your acquired immunity.

Which disorders and diseases affect the immune system?

The following conditions may affect how well your immune system functions normally:

Allergies. Your body's reaction to a normally harmless substance is called an allergy. The presence of that substance triggers an overreaction from your immune system, resulting in mild to severe symptoms.

Autoimmune diseases. These disorders arise when your immune system unintentionally targets healthy cells. Common autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

Diseases of primary immunodeficiency. These hereditary disorders impair the function of your immune system. They increase your susceptibility to infections and specific illnesses.
Infectious diseases. When germs enter your body, multiply, and cause harm, infectious diseases result. Infectious diseases that impair immunity and can cause serious illness include HIV and mononucleosis (mono).

Cancer. Leukemia and lymphoma are two cancers that can impair your immune system. This is due to the possibility of cancer cells growing in your bone marrow or spreading there from another location. Your bone marrow's cancer cells prevent your body from producing the healthy blood cells you need to fight infection.

Sepsis. An extreme immune reaction to an infection is sepsis. Your immune system begins to harm organs and healthy tissues. This results in inflammation all over your body, which could be life-threatening.

Immune system disorders' telltale signs and symptoms

Depending on the condition, signs and symptoms can include:

• Feeling tired all the time (fatigue)

• Inexplicable fever

• Inexplicable loss of weight

• Sweating through the night

• Skin that itches

• Muscles that hurt and ache

• Tingling or numb fingers or toes

• Difficulty focusing or paying attention

• Loss of hair

• Redness, rashes, or inflammation on any part of your body

• Enlarged lymph nodes in your groin, armpits, and neck

Common tests that assess your immune system's health

Blood tests are frequently used by medical professionals to assess the health of your immune system. Your healthcare provider may request certain blood tests, such as:

• Test for antibodies.

• Complete blood count.

• Use a complement blood test to measure the amounts of particular protein types, like C3 proteins, in your blood.

Which medications have the potential to impact my immune system?

 Certain drugs have beneficial effects on your body, but they can also impair your immune system.  These consist of:

•  Corticosteroids.

•  Immunosuppressive drugs.

•  Chemotherapy, as well as additional cancer treatment methods.

•  Discuss ways to strengthen your immune system with your healthcare provider if you require any of these treatments.

What are some natural ways to strengthen my immune system?

Nobody enjoys getting sick, and many people are curious about ways to boost their immune systems. Since your immune system is complicated, there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for boosting it. It's crucial to speak with a healthcare professional because of this. Based on your medical history, they can offer you personalized guidance. In order to determine what adjustments you can make, they will also discuss your daily routine and way of life.

The following general advice will help you maintain a healthy immune system:

• Stuff your plate full of nutritious foods. Foods that support immune function include fruits, vegetables, lean protein sources, and whole grains. Discuss with your doctor how certain dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, can help you get the vitamins your body needs to maintain a strong immune system.

• Include exercise in your everyday schedule. Your immune system is one of the many health benefits of exercise. Your healthcare provider can assist you in beginning an exercise plan that suits your lifestyle and medical needs.

• Maintain a healthy weight for yourself. Poorer immune function has been associated by researchers with a body mass index (BMI) of greater than 30 (obesity). Find out from your healthcare provider what your ideal weight range is, then collaborate to achieve it.

• Get enough ZZZs. Your immune system may not function properly if you don't get enough sleep.

• Keep your immunizations current. Vaccines help your body fight off pathogens that can cause illness. Discuss which vaccinations you require and when with your healthcare provider.

• Steer clear of all tobacco products, including smoking. Smoking increases your risk of developing diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, which can impair your immune system. Consult your healthcare provider about effective cessation strategies if you smoke.

References:

• National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (U.S.). Features of an Immune Response (https://www.niaid.nih.gov/research/immune-response-features). Last reviewed 1/16/2014. Accessed 10/20/2023.

• National Library of Medicine (U.S.). What are the organs of the immune system? (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279395/#_NBK279395_pubdet_) Last update 7/30/2020. Accessed 10/20/2023.

• Cancer Research UK. The immune system and cancer (https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/what-is-cancer/body-systems-and-cancer/the-immune-system-and-cancer). Last reviewed 7/7/2020. Accessed 10/20/2023.

• Immune Deficiency Foundation. The Immune System and Primary Immunodeficiency (https://primaryimmune.org/immune-system-and-primary-immunodeficiency). Accessed 10/20/2023.

• Merck Manual (Consumer Version). Overview of the Immune System (https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/immune-disorders/biology-of-the-immune-system/overview-of-the-immune-system). Full review/revision 9/2021. Accessed 10/20/2023.

• Greidinger EL. THE IMMUNE SYSTEM. In: Janson LW, Tischler ME, eds. The Big Picture: Medical Biochemistry. McGraw Hill; 2018.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.). Six Tips to Enhance Immunity (https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/features/enhance-immunity/index.html). Last reviewed 9/30/2021. Accessed 10/20/2023.