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What is the immune system?
In-depth look at body armor! What is the immune system?
In depth look at body armor!
What is the immune system?
Immune system (Immune system) Helps protect our body from “danger” both from infection through external invaders such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or toxins from microorganisms. or from abnormalities that occur within the body, such as tumors or cancer cells.
Immune system Caused by the interaction of many systems within the body. including various organs, cells, chemicals, including various types of proteins which if the immune system is weak due to abnormal functioning Or having behavior that is not healthy (Unhealthy Lifestyle) the body will easily become sick. Inability to fight external infections or abnormalities that occur within the body This puts you at risk of developing serious diseases in the future.
The immune system is extremely complex. and divided into 2 main systems:
- Innate immune system: We are all born with this type of immune system. Inherited from genetics It is a mechanism that is not specific to any type of germs, such as the skin, mucous membranes, and various mucous membranes that help prevent germs from entering the body, or stomach acid, tears, and sweat help destroy germs before they enter the body. Including natural killer cells (NK Cells) that are ready to fight tumors, cancer cells, or viral infections in a timely manner when an infection occurs.
- Adaptive immune system is a specific type of immune system that the body creates after being exposed to an infection. The surface of microorganisms has protein molecules called “antigens” which can stimulate an immune response. The B lymphocyte (B-cells) responds by producing a special protein that is specific to the antigen. Also known as “antibodies” (Antibody) to allow T lymphocyte (T-cells) white blood cells to continue destroying even after the first infection. It may take the body several days to make antibodies. But the immune system remembers and adapts. To be able to fight against foreign objects next time.
Functions of the immune system
- Prevent and destroy germs and foreign objects
- Acts to remember and resist harmful substances from the environment.
- Fights against abnormally transformed cells such as tumors and cancer cells
What happens if the immune system doesn't work properly?
Sometimes the immune system responds. Even though there is no actual invasion, these diseases and disorders result in the immune system destroying normal cells in the body. and cannot protect you when your body is infected with disease.
Immune disorders and diseases. Such as
- Allergies occur when the body responds to harmless substances such as food or pollen. By secreting histamine, causing allergic symptoms, ranging from nasal congestion, sneezing, or even severe breathing difficulties. and can lead to death.
- Autoimmune diseases are when the immune system misunderstands and attacks normal cells in your body. Causes many types of diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis. Lupus or SLE (SLE)
- Immunodeficiency disease. (Immunodeficiency diseases) If you have an immune deficiency disease. You will get sick more easily and your infection may last longer and be more severe. making it difficult to treat It is often caused by genetic disorders or infection with the HIV virus that destroys white blood cells in the body. and increase the chance of serious illness
- Cancer such as leukemia. or leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma (multiple myeloma). This group of cancers directly affects the functioning of the immune system.
Clearly, the immune system is very important for optimal health. Helps prevent illnesses that may occur without us knowing. and recover quickly if infected with pathogens Therefore, we should always take care of our immune system to function properly. With a physical examination and have healthy behavior
References
1. How does the immune system work? [Internet]. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG). 2020 [cited 15 June 2022]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279364/
2. Immune System: Parts & Common Problems [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2022 [cited 21 June 2022]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21196-immune-system
3. Overview of the Immune System [Internet]. Niaid.nih.gov. 2022 [cited 21 June 2022]. Available from: https://www.niaid.nih.gov/research/immune-system-overview