The Role of White Blood Cells in Immunity
The human immune system is complex, performing vital processes. The main function of the immune system is to protect and defend the body from pathogens that can cause diseases.
The body’s defence against infection is provided by the immune system, a complex network of cells, tissues and organs that also safeguards the body’s own cells.
Every pathogen (harmful microbe) that the immune system has ever eliminated is recorded, allowing it to promptly identify and eliminate the microbe if it re-enters the body. Immune system abnormalities can result in autoimmune disorders, immunodeficiencies and allergy diseases.
The body’s immune response identifies and shields itself to counter the actions of viruses, bacteria and other foreign substances that could be harmful.
Immune System – What Is It?
The immune system safeguards the body from outside invaders, which could potentially cause the body harm. These pathogens are harmful microbes such as viruses, bacteria, toxins and fungi. The immune system is constituted of different components functioning at different levels and together as a unit carrying out vital functions.
Parts of the immune system
The immune system comprises
- Antibodies
- Thymus
- Spleen
- Bone marrow
- White blood cells
- Lymphatic system
- Complement system
In this article, we will understand the role of white blood cells in an immune response.
Role of White Blood Cells in Immunity
Some kinds of white blood cells are a part of the immune system. Additionally, it comprises blood constituents and proteins like complement proteins, interferon and antibodies.
Some of these attack foreign chemicals directly, while others cooperate with immune system cells. A kind of white blood cell called lymphocytes. There are lymphocytes of the B and T types.
B lymphocytes develop into antibody-producing cells. T cells assist in regulating the immune response by directly attacking antigens. Furthermore, it releases particles referred to as cytokines regulating the complete immune response.
As lymphocytes mature, they often acquire the ability to distinguish between their own body’s tissues and things that are not typically present in them. Once B cells and T cells have developed, a small number of such cells will multiply and provide your immune system “memory.” The next time you encounter the same antigen, your immune system will respond more quickly and effectively as a result. It will frequently keep you from becoming unwell. For instance, someone who has had chickenpox or received the chickenpox vaccine is protected from contracting the disease again.
How Do Pathogens Make Us Sick?
Not necessarily; every encounter with a pathogen leads to disease. The body gets infected when microbes, such as viruses and bacteria, enter the body and start multiplying. There is a disease when the cells of the body get damaged due to an infection, and there are symptoms and signs of an illness.
Depending on the specific infection and each person’s sensitivity, the incidence of sickness among infected people varies substantially. Infection-related symptoms like fever, malaise, headaches and rashes are frequently brought on by the immune system’s efforts to rid the body of the infection.
Your immune system activates in reaction to an infection. White blood cells, antibodies and other systems get to work, eliminating the foreign invader from your body.
This was a brief on the immune system. The next suggested topic to explore would be corpus callosum. Learn how the corpus callosum influences behaviour and learning.
