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 >>

MHC genes and their inheritance

In this article, I briefly describe MHC genes and their inheritance. Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) Vertebrate DNA consists of a large locus known as the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). The MHC locus consists of a cluster of closely linked polymorphic genes coding for cell surface proteins vital for adaptive immunity. Different MHC proteins bind and … Read more >>

The communication between innate and adaptive immunity

In this article, I briefly explain the communication between innate immunity and adaptive immunity. Innate immunity Innate immunity accounts for the first line of defense against harmful pathogens. It gives a uniform response to all types of harmful pathogens, therefore, also known as non-specific immunity. Innate immunity is quite important to keep us healthy. However, … Read more >>

Diseases related to complement deficiencies and microbes evolving strategies to evade complement attack

In this article, I briefly explain the diseases that happen due to complement deficiencies and strategies evolved by microbes to evade the complement attack. The components of the complement system The complement system consists of a set of more than fifty serum proteins that assist in both innate and adaptive immunity to eliminate harmful pathogens. … Read more >>

The Complement system functions in various ways

In this article, I briefly explain about the various ways of functioning of the complement system. The complement system The complement system includes more than fifty serum proteins that assist both innate immunity and adaptive immunity to abolish pathogens, dead cells, and immune complexes from the body. Complement proteins can form complexes with antibodies and … Read more >>