YOUR DEFENSE FORCE

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by Dr. Bounous-- Breakthrough IN Cell Defense

YOUR DEFENSE FORCE

ANTIGEN; This could be any macromolecule which, on being recognized by

the immune system as foreign, stimulates an immune response. That

response is specific.

ANTIBODY: This is one of a wide variety of secreted proteins elicited

in an animal by different antigens, which reacts specifically with each

particular antigen to trigger a variety of outcomes. They can slow down

and kill viruses and bacteria.

PRIMARY RESPONSE: The formation of antibody after first exposure to an

antigen.

SECONDARY RESPONSE: The formation of antibody after a second exposure

to an antigen. It is an accelerated response (that is, faster) and an

exaggerated response (that is, of much greater magnitude).

T-CELLS: A variety of lymphocytes originate in the bone marrow and are

processed by the Thymus gland. They have specific receptors. In

general, T-cells of one type have effector or regulator functions,

while another type are " killer cells. "

B-CELLS: These lymphocytes are mainly generated in the Bone marrow.

They are defined by the expression of immunoglobulins on their surface

which form specific receptors. When stimulated, they proliferate,

mature into plasma cells and secrete antibody.

Both T-Cell and B-Cell lymphocytes have specific receptors which

combine with foreign material of complementary structure and undergo

clonal expansion by the millions. That is a uniques characteristic of

the immune system.

ANTIGEN PROCESSING CELLS: There are several morphologically distinct

classes of cells which process antigens non-specifically and prepare

them for presentation to the T-helper cells.

T-HELPER CELLS: They are small lymphocytes but act as the

Comanders-in-Chief of the immune system. They recognize processed

antigen, become activated, and in tern, trigger responses from other

members of the defense force. They are distinguished by CD4 markers.

T-KILLER CELLS: These Paratroopers activated by the T-helper cells have

only one goal: to destroy the enemy before it has time to multiply.

They wipe-out virus-infected cells and perform immune surveillance.

They are distinguished by CD8 markers.

B-CELLS: Activated specifically again by T-helper cells, these

specialize in chemical warfare. They then mature and produce

immunoglobulins and secrete antibodies which circulate in body fluids

to find antigens and trigger immune responses (usually, that means

death to the enemy).

K-CELLS: These are the immune thugs. They are subpopulations of non-B,

non-T mononuclear cells and are responsible for lysis (destruction) of

cells with antigen-antibody complexes.

NK-CELLS: These are medium sized lymphocytes more like Hired Thugs.

They also have no B-cell or T-cell markers but possess characteristic

granules. They can, without specific recognition, spontaneously

kill-off transformed (cancerous) cells or virally infected cells.

The immune response is carefully orchestrated. Each type of cell is

genetically programmed and equipped for its speialized tasks.

MACROPHAGES: They are the Ground Forces that roam throughout the body,

consuming polluants and other invaders at a restless rate. Their

activity can be enhanced by antigen-specific T-cells which release

soluble products. When activated in this manner, macrophages can

distinguish between normal and transformed cells.

MAST CELLS: These are Weathermen. Large cells( and their precursor,

basophils) bind specifically with a class of immuno-globulins which

then combine with antigens in bridge-pairs resulting in release of

vasoactive amines, particularly histamine. This histamine release is

responsible for the clinical allergy reactions.

T-SUPPRESSOR CELLS: They are the Flag-Bearers. Small lymphocytes, they

will call off the battle when victory has been achieved. They tell

T-KILLER cells to stop the fight. They also carry the CD8 marker.

T-MEMORY CELLS: These cells stay in the body after the primary exposure

or infection. They are Data-Processors trained to recognize the

invasion of the same enemy in the future.

B-MEMORY CELLS: They function in the same way as T-memory cells. They

will produce antibodies in the secondary response, upon recognizing the

same enemy. They initiate rapid, exagerated response like Marines.

That's the basis for immunization vaccines.

The Immune Response is usually protective but if the system fails to

be discriminating, civil war erupts. The body can then treat particular

normal cells or parts as the enemy - that's the basis of many

auto-immune diseases.

YOU HAVE A DEFENSE SYSTEM THAT IS SPECIFIC, EFFICIENT AND INDISPENSIBLE.

Debbie