Contraction of our immune response and the response of effector and memory lymphocytes

In this article, I briefly explain the response of effector and memory lymphocytes to contraction of our immune response. Factors regulating the contraction of lymphocyte In an immune response, lymphocytes can expand and increase in number up to a thousand fold. After the period of expansion, their number is suddenly decreased during the contraction period. … Read more >>

Pathways of different antigens to secondary lymphoid tissue

In this article, I briefly describe the pathways of several pathogens or antigens to secondary lymphoid tissue. The interaction between the lymphocytes and the antigens The pathogens and antigens perforate our barrier tissue to start an adaptive immune response by making contact with the naïve T and B lymphocytes. The naïve lymphocytes remain absent in … Read more >>

The delayed-type hypersensitivity: a cell-mediated response

In this article, I briefly describe delayed-type hypersensitivity, which is a cell-mediated response. Hypersensitivity Our immune response gives protection to us by responding to foreign antigens. However, protecting us from foreign antigens, our immune responses can cause damage to our tissues and cells. Multiple strategies can be applied by our immune system to reduce damage … Read more >>

The development of B cells defined by immunoglobulin gene rearrangements

In this article, I briefly explain the development of B cells defined by the rearrangements of immunoglobulin genes. The development of B cell begins with the pre-pro-B cell The stages of B-cell development begin with the first cell committed to the B cell lineage, the pre-pro B cell. The developing common lymphoid progenitor gets an … Read more >>

Factors regulating the development of B cell

In this article, I briefly explain the factors regulating the development of B cells. The development of immune cells Immune cells develop from immature precursors in the primary lymphoid organs, i.e., in the bone marrow and thymus. The mature antigen-specific lymphocytes first come across antigens in the secondary lymphoid organs like the spleen, lymph nodes, … Read more >>

The endogenous pathway of antigen processing and presentation

In this article, I briefly explain the endogenous pathway of antigen processing and presentation. The pathways for elimination of pathogens The immune system applies different strategies to eliminate various pathogens out of our body. There are two pathways for eliminating extracellular and intracellular pathogens. Antigens generated within the cell are known as endogenous antigens are … Read more >>

Importance of cross-presentation of antigens by antigen-presenting cells

In this article, I briefly explain how the antigen-presenting cells cross-present antigens. Types of antigens There are different pathways employed by the immune system for eradicating intracellular and extracellular pathogens. The antigens generated within the cell are known as endogenous antigens. These antigens are processed by the cytosolic or endogenous pathway and presented on the … Read more >>

Expression of MHC molecules

In this article, I briefly describe the expression of MHC molecules. MHC molecule and its expression The major histocompatibility complex (MHC), consists of a group of genes coding for proteins present on cell surfaces that help the immune system recognize foreign substances. The MHC molecules are encoded by a cluster of closely associated genes, known … Read more >>

The receptors of our immune system

In this article, I briefly describe the types of receptors in our immune system. Receptors of the immune system The cells of our immune system use various receptors to recognize ligands. Some receptors, like pattern recognition receptors (PRRS), are found in both innate and adaptive immune cells. However, B-cell receptors (BCRs) and T-cell receptors (TCRs) … Read more >>

Immune response gets started in the secondary lymphoid organs

In this article, I briefly explain the beginning of the immune response in the secondary lymphoid organs. Development of lymphocytes Development of lymphocytes takes place in the primary lymphoid system. However, the response is initiated in the secondary lymphoid organs as soon as the lymphocytes encounter antigens in the microenvironment. The bone marrow and the … Read more >>