Human immune system

The human immune system is a protection mechanism which defends the body against millions of bacteria, microbes, viruses, toxins and parasites that try to invade the human body. Our immune system can detect viruses, parasitic worms and differentiate them from healthy cells and tissues, required for the normal functioning of the body.

Innate immunity is our immune system’s primary response whereas acquired immunity is the secondary response. The immune system is made of number of cell types which can kill parasitic or tumor or viral infected cells. These cells are dependent upon the, 'T,' helper subset for activation signals in the form of secretions which are referred to as, Lymphokines, Cytokines or Interleukins. T helper subsets assist in detecting immune deficiencies.

The Immune system is made up of number of cells and organs which have been explained in detail below.

Immune cellular system

CD8+ T cells: CD8 +T cells are called suppressor cells because they are involved in killing viral infected cells, tumor cells and parasites. These cells are important because they downregulate immune responses.

T cells: T cells or CD4 + T cells are coordinators of immune regulation and augment the body’s immune responses through secretion of specialized factors which activate white blood cells that fight off infection.

B cells: The basic function of B cells is to produce antibodies in response to foreign proteins such as viruses, bacteria and tumor cells.

Polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes: These are a group of white blood cells that are involved in the removal of parasites and bacteria from the human body.

Natural killer cells: Naturals killer are similar to CD8+T cells and work as effector cells by killing tumors like lymphomas, melanomas and viral infected cells such as herpes and cytomegalovirus. Lymphoid organs are generally targeted by these cells. CD4 +T cells which are activated through the secretion of natural killer cells kill viral infected tumors more efficiently.

Macrophages: Macrophages are necessary for regulating immune responses. They are also known as ‘Antigen-presenting cells (APC’s) because they both pick up and ingest foreign materials and then present these antigens to other cells in the immune system.

Dendritic Cells: Dendritic cells work as antigen presenting cells (APC’s) and originate in the bone marrow.

Immune organ support

Bone Marrow: Every cell that is involved in the body’s immune system is derived from the bone marrow. Immature thymocytes, granulocytes, B cells, killer cells, platelets and red blood cells are important immune cells produced by bone marrow.

Thymus: Thymus produces mature T cells. Prothymocytes, which are immature thymocytes beneficial to the immune system, emerge from bone marrow and move into thymus through a process called thymic education.

Spleen: Spleen is an immunological filter which is comprised of T cells, B cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, red blood cells and natural killer cells. B cells, that produce antibodies, are activated in the spleen. Old red blood cells are also destroyed by the spleen.

Lymph Nodes: Lymph node is a bean shaped organ, distributed throughout the body and linked by lymphatic vessels. These nodes are mostly comprised of B cells, T cells, macrophages and dendritic cells. Lymph nodes are present throughout the body and act as a filter for foreign particles. They contain white blood cells and are thus crucial for proper functioning of the immune system.

Types of immune deficiency diseases

Immune deficiency diseases can be classified into two types, primary and acquired. Diseases that are inherited are known as primary immune deficiency diseases and acquired immune deficiency diseases are caused due to infections.

Primary immune deficiency disease:

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency is a relatively mild genetic immunodeficiency and is the most common primary antibody deficiency. It is difficult for the immune system to fight against diseases if IgA is not found in required quantity, as they suffer from a lack of immunoglobulin A (IgA), a type of antibody that protects against infections of the mucous membranes lining the mouth, airways, and digestive tract. People with IgA deficiency are more prone to colds and other respiratory diseases.

Some children are born without thymus gland. Thymus gland is required for the production of T lymphocytes, which are important to fight against infection and viruses. This immune deficiency disease is called Di George syndrome.

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is a type of immune deficiency which is caused by the lack of B and T lymphocytes. This lack of lymphocytes makes it impossible for the immune system to fight against any infections.

Acquired deficiency diseases

There are some immune deficiency diseases which are acquired. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is one of the acquired immune deficiency diseases. This virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) destroys the immune system of our body. People with AIDS lose the ability to fight against infections, slowly and steadily. Intake of immunosuppressant medications is also one of the reasons for having immunodeficiency.

Chronic fatigue immune deficiency (CFID) is another type of immune deficiency. It is also termed as a mystery deficiency as the causes for it are yet unknown. The severity of symptoms ranges from general exhaustion to debilitating pain and fatigue. The effects are not just physical. Some people with CFID complain of mental disturbances and emotional up and downs, such as confusion and an inability to concentrate, mood swings etc. Some conditions that may decrease the body’s immunity are

• Acute Renal failure
• C3 deficiency
• Diabetes Type 1 & 2
• Juvenile Scleroderma or impaired immune system
• X-linked lymphoproliferative disease
• Roifman syndrome
• Velocardiofacial syndrome
• Acute Starvation
• Anakinra
• Weak immune system
• Brequinar
• Susceptibility to infection
• Multiple Myeloma
• Leukemia
• Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
• Myelodysplastic syndrome and many more…

Causes :

An inherently weak or defective immune system can lead to increased susceptibility to infection, allergies, autoimmune diseases and sometimes even cancer.

Immune Deficiency can be caused due to a variety of factors. Old age, exhaustion, lack of sleep, stress, work pressures, poor nutrition, smoking, alcohol consumption, drug abuse all contribute in lowering the body’s defenses against infections. Hereditary disorders, chemotherapy for disease such as cancer, radiation therapy all contribute in lowering the human immunity shields.

Symptoms:

Infection is one of the common symptoms of primary immune deficiency. Signs of immune deficiency are often seen in small children. However, it may also occur in older children, teenagers or adults. Other symptoms include recurrent sinus and chest infections (pneumonia, bronchitis). conjunctivitis, diarrhea, fatigue, etc. all caused due to low immune support. General symptoms include dizziness, ill feeling and low grade fever.

Why is a strong immune system essential?

The immune system protects the body from disease by attacking anything foreign to it. An intact immune system ensures physical health and well-being. The redness and swelling around a cut is due to a functioning immune system, it brings more blood to that area and creates heat to fend off invading bacteria that can cause infection.

People with organ transplants have to take anti-rejection drugs because the body's immune system considers it as a foreign object. People with AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) often succumb to pneumonia or other diseases because their immune systems are deficient and the disease also attacks cells that fight infection.

A healthy immune system helps our body to withstand damage from anti- biotic resistant bacteria and prevents the reoccurrence of pathogens hiding in the body like herpes that causes cold sores and mycobacterium that causes tuberculosis.

The immune system has the ability to recognize specific invaders (antigens), remember them and launch an attack against them if they are encountered again. The white blood cells known as lymphocytes, that include T-cells, B-cells and NK cells, destroy antigens directly. The lymphocytes act as the defending army of the human immune system providing a shield against several diseases and viruses.

How to prevent immune deficiency?

Maintaining a healthy immune system is an active and complicated process and requires healthy lifestyle that includes a reasonable diet and exercise.

A regular exercise regimen is necessary to build up the body’s defense mechanisms. A healthy, fit body will withstand an attack from bacteria and viruses much better. Although it is important to exercise in moderate proportions as intense exercise can break down the immune system of the human body.

A proper, nutritious diet is crucial in maintaining a robust immune system. Balanced and regular intake of Vitamin A, B and C goes long way in warding off infections and diseases. Green vegetables, carrots, fruits such as mangoes, oranges, watermelons etc are rich sources of vitamins. Turmeric acts as a detoxifying agent helping enhance the intelligence of the Immune Cells. Garlic is a natural builder of white blood cells and is an important constituent of an immune system as it provides extra strength.

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