The Immune System

By: Sophia Carasone

What is The Immune System?

The Immune System is a collection of structures and processes within the human body.

The job of the Immune System is to protect the body against diseases.It identifies threats such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites.

T-cells attacking a cancer cell.

Major ComponentsLymph modes- (Part of the lymphatic system)Small, bean-shaped structures that produce and store cells that fight infection and disease. When the body is fighting infection, lymph nodes can become enlarged and feel sore.Spleen- Contains white blood cells that fight infection or disease. The spleen also helps control the amount of blood in the body and disposes of old or damaged blood cells.Bone Marrow- The yellow tissue in the center the bones produces white blood cells.Lymphocytes- They defend the body against disease. The two types of lymphocytes are B-cells which make antibodies that attack bacteria and toxins, and t-cells, which help destroy infected or cancerous cells. Thymus- This small organ is where T-cells mature.

Diseases of The Immune System

Disorders of the immune system can result in autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases and cancer.

Immunodeficiency (failure of the immune system to protect the body from infection) occurs when the immune system is not as strong as normal, resulting in recurring and life-threatening infections. In humans, immunodeficiency can either be the result of a genetic disease such as severe combined immunodeficiency, acquired conditions such as HIV/AIDS, or through the use of immunosuppressive medication.

•azathioprine (Imuran)•cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, SangCya)•monoclonal antibodies, which include: basiliximab (Simulect), daclizumab (Zenapax), and muromonab (Orthoclone OKT3)•corticosteroids such as prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone)

ContinuedAutoimmunity results from a hyperactive immune system attacking normal tissues as if they were foreign bodiesCommon autoimmune diseases include Hashimoto's thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus type 1 and systemic lupus erythematous.

Asthma and allergies also involve the immune system. A normally harmless material such as grass pollen, food particles, mold or pet dander is mistaken for a severe threat and attacked.

An allergist/immunologist is a physician specially trained to diagnose, treat and manage allergies, asthma and immunologic disorders.