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In this article, I briefly describe phagocytes- the white blood cells in our immune system. They play a critical role in defending the body against infections. Phagocytes Phagocytes were first identified in 1882 by Ilya Ilyich Mechnikov during his research on starfish larvae. These white blood cells protect the body by engulfing and breaking down … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly describe the skin immune system and its similarities and dissimilarities with the respiratory and intestinal immune systems. Skin The bodies of vertebrate animals are covered with a soft, flexible outer tissue layer called skin. It serves three primary roles: protection, regulation, and sensation. The skin interacts directly with the environment, … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly describe the parallelism between the intestinal and respiratory immune systems. The respiratory tract The respiratory tract is responsible for breathing and exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide between the body and the environment. It is divided into upper respiratory tract and lower respiratory tract. It is exposed directly to the external … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly describe the common diseases associated with the intestine. Inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, and Celiac disease are common intestinal diseases. Our intestinal immune response and diseases The immune system’s response to both commensal and pathogenic microbes is not without cost. Even when inflammation successfully eliminates pathogens, it can still damage … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly describe the type of immune responses of our intestines. Intestine and pathogens Our intestinal immune system responses to specific pathogens reveal extra complexities. There are many bacteria and worms causing diseases in our bodies. Our immune system shows different types of responses to worms and bacteria. Bacteria get a type … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly describe how the intestinal immune system recognizes and responds to pathogens. Intestine and pathogens Most organisms that live in harmony with us are not harmful and help create a tolerant environment in the intestines. The gut immune system ensures a safe separation between the epithelial surfaces and even the beneficial … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly describe how various innate and adaptive cell types promote immune homeostasis in the intestine. Our gastrointestinal tract It is a tube-like structure running from the mouth to the anus. The gastrointestinal tract maintains our commensal microbiome and regulates local and systemic immune responses. Our gastrointestinal tract deals with billions of … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly explain the disparity in immunity in small and large intestines. Distinct immunity in small and large intestine The small and large intestines manage their relationship with the microbiome by sharing general strategies. However, the physiology of each section is distinct, as are the microbial communities and immune cells that inhabit … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly describe the negative regulation of B-cell activation. B-cell activation and control Presentation of antigens via MHC and receiving co-stimulatory signals (CD40-CD40L) from TH2 cells, results in the activation of B cells (figure 1). Following activation, B cells undergo cycles of mutation and selection to produce high-affinity memory B cells and … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly explain clonal anergy and its relation with a costimulatory signal. Clonal anergy A state of clonal anergy develops, when a naïve T cell engages its TCR with an antigen presented by an MHC, without a suitable costimulatory signal. It is a state, where the specific T cell clone shows no … Read more >>