physical

Your Immune System

A Well Trained Army
Part One
By Dana Dalbak, PA-C, Sneeze, Wheeze, and Itch Associates
any germs think our body looks like a pretty great place to call home. The human body provides an ideal environment for various microbes. We pleasantly coexist with most bacteria. Some are even necessary in order for the human body to remain healthy. Other bacteria and viruses can wreak havoc. Our immune system, then, is the army that keeps these invaders in check. The immune system is a network of cells, tissues, organs, and proteins that work together to defend the body against foreign invaders. Although very complex, it can be thought of as a well-trained army, with different soldiers trained for specific jobs. Some cells in the immune system are known as helper cells. They coordinate the movements of other cells. They receive the alarm (chemical messages indicating an invader) and activate other cells to go to battle. They act as the general for the troops. Cells called killer cells embark on search and destroy missions. They take no prisoners! Although they like to punch holes in the walls of bacteria, they are especially tough on traitors. They will kill human cells that have become infected with a virus or have turned cancerous. Killer cells stealthily check all cells they meet for clues left on the outside of the cell indicating a virus hiding inside or indicating cancer. They can destroy cancer before it becomes a tumor. Eater cells practice a unique form of warfare. They swallow the enemy whole! These cells present parts of the chewed up enemy to the helper cells for identification. Communications are then sent to the rest of the troops regarding the identity of the enemy and the best strategy against this particular foe.
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Other immune cells act as war factories. When they receive an alert about an invader, they churn out specific proteins to coat that particular invader. The proteins are like flags or uniforms, so other parts of the immune system can recognize the microbe as an invader. They also gather the invaders together, holding them hostage until other troops arrive. Still other proteins can trigger inflammation, directly kill intruders, or call killer cells to the area. The success of the immune system is due, in large part, to the elaborate and dynamic communications network between the troops. A multitude of chemicals and receptors are involved. Memory cells have the job of you guessed it remembering. Memory cells live a long time and are assigned with remembering every previous enemy. The immune system takes seriously the old adage, know your enemy. Memory cells are always on the prowl, looking for invaders that they recognize from a previous battle. If an invader returns a second time, memory cells recognize it quickly, and sound the alarm to roust the troops immediately. Much of the immune systems battle can be thought of as a race. Will the invader be able to multiply faster than the immune system can roust the troops? The memory cells sway the battle in our favor. When an invader appears a second time, there is already a warning system in place thanks to memory cells! The army can thus turn the tables on the invader before it has time to gain a foothold and cause symptoms. We say this individual is now immune to this invader. On the other hand, when a brand new microbe, such as a cold virus, is encountered, the immune system races to catch up. The week or two of symptoms you feel is a part of that process!

Finally, suppressor cells call off the troops when the threat is over. This prevents the immune system from damaging healthy human cells, or causing autoimmune disease. I would hate to be a microbe finding myself accidentally up against the human immune system! This army is a vigilant and powerful force, with all sorts of tactics up its sleeve. However, if one part of the army isnt working right or is absent, a weak spot forms in the defenses. This is called immunodeficiency. Individuals with immunodeficiency experience infection more frequently, more severely, and for longer periods of time. Their immune system army itself has become sick. Many different types of immunodeficiency disorders exist. Unfortunately, diagnosis is often delayed because the symptoms are not unique. Rather, symptoms appear as ordinary infections, such as sinus, lower respiratory, or gastrointestinal infections. Next month: How to know when infection signals a more serious problem, and what treatment is available. Sneeze, Wheeze, and Itch Associates specializes in the treatment of immune-related disorders. In addition to immunodeficiency, focus is given to the treatment of asthma, allergic rhinitis, hives, food hypersensitivity, insect sting allergy, and anaphylaxis. The center has also been a leader in clinical research for over 20 years. If you suffer from allergies, asthma, COPD, or psoriasis, you may qualify to participate in a clinical trial. You may contact them at 309-452-0995 or www.asthma2.com. Their office is located at 2010 Jacobssen Dr. in Normal.

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June 2013 Bloomington Healthy Cells Magazine Page 7