Immune System – What to Know?

Immune System

The immune system is made up of special organs, cells and chemicals that fight infection (microbes). The main parts of the immune system are white blood cells, antibodies, the complement system, the lymphatic system, the spleen, the thymus, and the bone marrow. These are the parts of your immune system that actively fight infection in the body. However, an underactive immune system does not function correctly and makes people vulnerable to infections. Consequently, it can be life threatening in severe cases.

Fever is an immune system response

A rise in body temperature, or fever, can happen with some infections. This is actually an immune system response. A rise in temperature can kill some microbes. So a fever also triggers the body’s repair process.

Immune system and microbial infection

The immune system keeps a record of every microbe it has ever defeated, in types of white blood cells (B- and T-lymphocytes) known as memory cells. This means it can recognise and destroy the microbe quickly if it enters the body again, before it can multiply and make you feel sick.

Some infections, like the flu and the common cold, have to be fought many times because so many different viruses or strains of the same type of virus can cause these illnesses. So consequently, catching a cold or flu from one virus does not give you immunity against the others.

The most important parts of the immune system

• White blood cells.
• Antibodies.
• Complement system.
• Lymphatic system.
• Spleen.
• Bone marrow.
• Thymus.

White blood cells

White blood cells are the key players in your immune system. They are made in your bone marrow and are part of the lymphatic system. White blood cells move through blood and tissue throughout your body, looking for foreign invaders (microbes) such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. When they find them, they launch an immune attack. White blood cells include lymphocytes (such as B-cells, T-cells and natural killer cells), and many other types of immune cells.

Antibodies

Antibodies help the body to fight microbes or the toxins (poisons) they produce. They do this by recognising substances called antigens on the surface of the microbe, or in the chemicals they produce, which mark the microbe or toxin as being foreign. The antibodies then mark these antigens for destruction. There are many cells, proteins and chemicals involved in this attack.

Complementary system

The complementary system is made up of proteins whose actions complement the work done by antibodies.

Lymphatic system

The lymphatic system is a network of delicate tubes throughout the body. They manage the fluid levels in the body.

The main roles of the lymphatic system:

• React to bacteria.
• Deal with cancer cells.
• Deal with cell products that otherwise would result in disease or disorders.
• Absorb some of the fats in our diet from the intestine.

The lymphatic system is made up of:

• Firstly, lymph nodes (also called lymph glands) — which trap microbes.
• Secondly, lymph vessels — tubes that carry lymph, the colourless fluid that bathes your body’s tissues and contains infection-fighting white blood cells.
• Thirdly, white blood cells (lymphocytes).

Spleen

The spleen is a blood-filtering organ that removes microbes and destroys old or damaged red blood cells. It also makes disease-fighting components of the immune system (including antibodies and lymphocytes).

Bone marrow

Bone marrow is the spongy tissue found inside the bones. It produces the red blood cells our bodies need to carry oxygen, the white blood cells we use to fight infection, and the platelets we need to help our blood clot.

Thymus

The thymus filters and monitors the blood content. It produces the white blood cells called T-lymphocytes.

Body defences against microbes

• Skin – a waterproof barrier that secretes oil with bacteria-killing properties.
• Lungs – mucous in the lungs (phlegm) traps foreign particles, and small hairs (cilia) wave the mucous upwards so it can be coughed out.
• Digestive tract – the mucous lining contains antibodies, and the acid in the stomach can kill most microbes.
• Other defences – body fluids like skin oil, saliva and tears contain anti-bacterial enzymes that help reduce the risk of infection. The constant flushing of the urinary tract and the bowel also helps.

Common disorders of the immune system

Allergic diseases – the immune system makes an overly strong response to allergens.

Common allergic diseases include

• Allergies to foods.
• Allergies to medications or stinging insects.
• Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergy).
• Hay fever (allergic rhinitis).
• Sinus disease.
• Asthma.
• Hives (urticaria).
• Dermatitis.
• Eczema.

Autoimmune diseases – the immune system mounts a response against normal components of the body.

Autoimmune diseases they include

• Multiple sclerosis.
• Autoimmune thyroid disease.
• Type 1 diabetes.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus.
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Systemic vasculitis.

Underactivity of the immune system (Immunodeficiency) conditions include:

• Immunodeficiency (CVID) diseases such as common variable.
• X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID).
• Complement deficiencies.
• Can arise as a result of medical treatment – this can occur due to medications such as corticosteroids or chemotherapy.
• Can be caused by another disease – such as HIV/AIDS or certain types of cancer.

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