What is Immune System?

July 5, 2023

Delve into body armor!

What is the immune system?

The immune system protects our body from “harms” either from infection through external invaders such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or microbial toxins. 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. Both various organs, cells and chemicals, including a variety of proteins. which if the immune system is weak from abnormal functioning Or having unhealthy behaviors (Unhealthy Lifestyle), the body will easily get sick. inability to fight off external infections or abnormalities that occur within the body which makes the risk of developing a serious disease in the future

The immune system is extremely complex. and divided into two main systems:

Innate immune system We are all born with this type of immune system. inherited from heredity It is a mechanism that is not specific to any type of pathogen, such as the skin, mucous membranes, and helps prevent pathogens from entering the body, or stomach acid, tears, and sweat help destroy pathogens before they enter the body. Including Natural Killer Cells (NK Cells) that are ready to fight tumors, cancer cells or viral infections promptly when an infection occurs.
Adaptive immune system is the specific immune system that the body produces after exposure to an infection. Microbial surfaces contain protein molecules called “antigens” that can trigger an immune response. The B lymphocyte cells (B-cells) respond by producing a special antigen-specific protein. Also known as “antibodies” (Antibody) to allow T lymphocyte cells (T-cells) to continue to destroy even after the first infection. It can take days for your body to make antibodies. But the immune system will remember and adapt. in order to be able to fight against the unknown next time

immune system function

Prevent and destroy germs and foreign matter
remember and resist harmful substances from the environment
Fight against abnormally metamorphic cells such as tumors and cancer cells.

What happens if the immune system malfunctions?

Sometimes the immune system reacts. Although no invasion actually occurs, these diseases and disorders result in the immune system destroying normal cells in the body. And cannot protect you when the body is infected with pathogens.

Immune disorders and diseases such as

Allergies occur when the body reacts to harmless substances such as food or pollen. By secreting histamine (Histamine) causing allergic reactions ranging from nasal congestion, sneezing, or may be severe to shortness of breath. and to the point of death
Autoimmune diseases are when the immune system misunderstands and attacks normal cells in your body. It can cause many diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis. Lupus or SLE (SLE)
immunodeficiency Immunodeficiency diseases. If you have an immunodeficiency disease. You’ll get sick more easily and your infection may last longer and become 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 (Cancer), such as leukemia or leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma. These cancers directly affect the functioning of the immune system.

It can be seen that the immune system is very important to a healthy body. Help prevent illness that may occur without our knowledge. and recover quickly if infected with pathogens Therefore, we should always take care of our immune system to function properly. with physical examination and have healthy behaviors

reference

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