Immunity and health: 50% protection against infections

Posted on by

Immunity and health: 50% protection against infections

I. Understanding immunity: Fundamentals and mechanisms

A. What is immunity?

  1. Definition: Immunity is a complex biological system of the body, designed to recognize and neutralize potentially harmful foreign substances, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and toxins, as well as to remove altered or damaged body cells. It provides protection against infections, diseases and other dangers.

  2. The purpose of the immune system: The main goal of the immune system is to maintain homeostasis, that is, the stability of the internal environment of the body, by eliminating everything that poses a threat to its normal functioning.

  3. Immune answer: Immunity is not a static state. It is a dynamic process known as an immune response, which includes the activation of various types of immune cells and molecules to combat a specific threat.

B. Types of immunity:

  1. Congenital immunity (nonspecific):

    a. Description: Congenital immunity is the first line of protection of the body. It is present from birth and does not require a preliminary acquaintance with the threat. He reacts quickly and nonspecific, that is, the same way to a wide range of pathogens.

    b. Components:

    • Physical barriers: Leather, mucous membranes, saliva, tears, gastric juice.
    • Cells: Macrophages, neutrophils, NK cells (natural killers), dendritic cells.
    • Molecules: Comlement, interferon and cytokine.

    c. Mechanisms: Fagocytosis (absorption and destruction of pathogens), inflammation (attracting immune cells to the place of infection), activation of complementary (cascade of proteins that destroy pathogens).

  2. Acquired immunity (specific):

    a. Description: The acquired immunity develops throughout life as a result of the effects of pathogens or vaccination. It is highly specific, that is, it reacts only to a certain pathogen. It has immunological memory, which allows it to respond faster and more efficiently to the re -impact of the same pathogen.

    b. Components:

    • B-lymphocytes: Responsible for humoral immunity, that is, the production of antibodies.
    • T-lymphocytes: Are responsible for cellular immunity, that is, the destruction of infected cells.

    c. Types of acquired immunity:

    • Active immunity: It develops as a result of the effects of pathogen (infection) or vaccination. The body independently produces antibodies and T cells.
    • Passive immunity: It turns out by transmitting antibodies from one organism to another, for example, from mother to child through placenta or breast milk, or by introducing immunoglobulins.

C. Key components of the immune system:

  1. The cells of the immune system:

    a. Macrophages: Phagocytes that absorb and destroy pathogens and cell garbage. They also represent antigens of T-lymphocytes, initiating the acquired immune response.

    b. Neutrophils: The most numerous leukocytes that quickly respond to infection. They are also phagocytes and secrete substances that kill pathogens.

    c. Dendritic cells: “Professional” antigen-representative cells. They capture antigens in peripheral tissues and migrate to the lymph nodes, where they represent them T-lymphocytes.

    d. NK cells (natural killers): Destroyed by virus or tumor cells, without requiring preliminary sensitization.

    e. B-lymphocytes: They differentiate into plasma cells that produce antibodies, and memory cells that provide long -term immunity.

    f. T-lymphocytes:

    • T-highpers (CD4+): Help b-lymphocytes to produce antibodies and activate other immune cells.
    • Cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CD8+): Destroyed by virus or tumor cells.
    • Regulatory T-lymphocytes (Treg): Sold the immune response, preventing autoimmune reactions.

  2. Molecules of the immune system:

    a. Antibodies (immunoglobulins): Proteins produced by b-lymphocytes that bind to antigens and neutralize them, and also activate other components of the immune system. There are five main classes of antibodies: IGA, IGD, Ige, IGG, IGM.

    b. Cytokines: Small signal molecules that regulate the immune response. They affect the growth, differentiation and activity of immune cells. Examples of cytokines: interferons, interleukins, tumor necrosis factor (TNF).

    c. Comlender: The cascade of proteins, which is activated by connecting with antibodies or directly pathogens. Activation of the complement leads to the lysis (destruction) of pathogens, oponization (relief of phagocytosis) and inflammation.

    d. Interferon: Proteins produced by cells in response to a viral infection. They inhibit the reproduction of viruses and activate NK cells.

D. Immune response in details:

  1. Antigen recognition: The immune response begins with the recognition of the antigen – a foreign substance that causes an immune response. Antigens can be proteins, polysaccharides, lipids or nucleic acids.

  2. Activation of immune cells: The recognition of the antigen activates various types of immune cells, such as T-lymphocytes and B lymphocytes.

  3. Proliferation and differentiation: Activated immune cells begin to sod (multiply) and differentiate (specialize).

  4. Pathogen elimination: Effector immune cells, such as cytotoxic T-lymphocytes and plasma cells, eliminate pathogen.

  5. Formation of immunological memory: Some activated immune cells are differentiated into memory cells that provide prolonged immunity.

  6. Regulation of the immune response: After eliminating the pathogen, the immune response must be stopped to prevent damage to the body’s own tissues. Regulatory T-lymphocytes play an important role in the regulation of the immune response.

II. Factors affecting immunity

A. Age:

  1. Immunity in children: The immune system of newborns and young children is not yet fully developed, which makes them more susceptible to infections. They receive passive immunity from the mother through the placenta and breast milk, but this immunity is temporary. With age, the child’s immune system develops and becomes more effective.

  2. Immunity in the elderly (immunostation): With age, the immune system weakens, which makes the elderly more susceptible to infections, autoimmune diseases and cancer. This phenomenon is called immunostation. The function of the thymus (the organ where T-lymphocytes ripen) is reduced, the amount of naive T-lymphocytes (cells that have not yet met) is reduced, the b-lymphocytes function worsen, and the level of inflammation increases.

B. Genetics:

  1. Heredity: Genetic factors play an important role in determining the strength and effectiveness of the immune system. Some people are more susceptible to certain infections or autoimmune diseases due to genetic characteristics.

  2. The genes of the immune system: Genes encoding the proteins of the immune system, such as MHC (the main complex of histocompatibility), cytokines and antibodies, can affect the immune response.

C. Nutrition:

  1. Nutrition: Insufficient consumption of calories, proteins, vitamins and minerals can weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to infections.

  2. Important nutrients for immunity:

    • Vitamin C: The antioxidant necessary for the functioning of immune cells.
    • Vitamin D: Regulates the immune response and has an anti -inflammatory effect.
    • Zinc: It is necessary for the development and functioning of immune cells.
    • Selenium: Antioxidant supporting the function of immune cells.
    • Protein: It is necessary for the production of antibodies and other immune proteins.
    • Probiotics: Useful bacteria that support intestinal health and strengthen immunity.

  3. The role of intestinal microbioma: The intestinal microbia, consisting of trillions of bacteria, viruses and fungi, plays an important role in the regulation of the immune system. Healthy intestinal microbia helps to strengthen immunity, protects against pathogens and reduces inflammation.

D. Stress:

  1. The impact of stress on immunity: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, suppressing the function of immune cells and increasing the level of inflammation.

  2. Mechanisms: Stress releases stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can suppress the immune response.

E. Dream:

  1. The importance of sleep for immunity: The lack of sleep can weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to infections.

  2. Recommendations: Adults are recommended to sleep 7-8 hours a day.

F. Physical activity:

  1. The influence of physical activity on immunity: Moderate physical activity can strengthen the immune system, improving the circulation of immune cells and reducing inflammation.

  2. Recommendations: It is recommended to engage in physical activity at least 150 minutes a week.

G. Bad habits:

  1. Smoking: Smoking weakens the immune system, damaging the lungs and reducing the function of immune cells.

  2. Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to infections.

H. Chronic diseases:

  1. The influence of chronic diseases on immunity: Chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and autoimmune diseases, can weaken the immune system.

I. Medicines:

  1. Immunosuppressors: Some drugs, such as immunosuppressors, can suppress the immune system.

III. Methods for strengthening immunity

A. Vaccination:

  1. Principle Actions: Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to strengthen immunity. It consists in introducing a weakened pathogen or its fragments into the body, which stimulates the immune system to the production of antibodies and memory cells.

  2. Efficiency: Vaccination allows you to protect against many infectious diseases, such as measles, rubella, polio, influenza and covid-19.

B. Healthy nutrition:

  1. Balanced diet: The use of a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, low -fat protein and healthy fats is important for maintaining immunity.

  2. Immunity strengthening products:

    • Citrus: Rich in vitamin C.
    • Berries: Rich in antioxidants.
    • Garlic: It has antibacterial and antiviral properties.
    • Ginger: It has anti -inflammatory properties.
    • Yogurt: Contains probiotics.
    • Mushrooms: The reservoi-end-gluma, reading immunity.

C. Regular physical activity:

  1. Moderate loads: Regular moderate physical activity, such as walking, running, swimming or riding a bicycle, can strengthen the immune system.

  2. Avoiding overwork: Avoid excessive physical exertion that can weaken the immune system.

D. Healthy sleep:

  1. Sleep mode: Observe sleep mode and sleep enough time (7-8 hours a day).

  2. Sleep hygiene: Create comfortable sleep conditions, such as a dark, quiet and cool room.

E. Stress management:

  1. Stress relief methods: Use stress relief methods, such as meditation, yoga, nature walks or communication with friends and family.

  2. Relaxation techniques: Learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation.

F. Maintaining healthy intestinal microbioma:

  1. Probiotics and prebiotics: Use products rich in probiotics (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut) and prebiotics (onions, garlic, bananas).

  2. Antibiotic restriction: Avoid unreasonable antibiotics that can disrupt the balance of intestinal microbioma.

G. Maintaining hygiene:

  1. Washing hands: Wash your hands with soap and water regularly, especially after visiting public places, before meals and after the toilet.

  2. Avoiding contact with the sick: Avoid close contact with sick people.

H. Vitamin and mineral additives (as prescribed by a doctor):

  1. Consultation with a doctor: Consult a doctor before taking vitamin and mineral additives to determine which additives you need and in what dosage.

  2. Caution: Do not exceed the recommended dosage, since the excess of some vitamins and minerals can be harmful to health.

IV. Immune diseases

A. Autoimmune diseases:

  1. Description: Autoimmune diseases arise when the immune system begins to attack the body’s own tissues.

  2. Examples: Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes.

  3. Reasons: The causes of autoimmune diseases have not been fully studied, but it is believed that they are associated with genetic predisposition and environmental factors.

  4. Treatment: Treatment of autoimmune diseases is aimed at suppressing the immune response and alleviation of symptoms.

B. Immunodeficiency:

  1. Description: Immunodeficiency is a state in which the immune system is weakened or does not function properly.

  2. Types:

    • Primary immunodeficiency: Congenital genetic defects of the immune system.
    • Secondary immunodeficiency: They arise as a result of other diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, Cancer, Diabetes, or taking drugs, such as immunosuppressors.

  3. Consequences: Immunodeficiency increases susceptibility to infections, autoimmune diseases and cancer.

  4. Treatment: Treatment of immunodeficiency depends on the type and severity of the disease. It may include replacement therapy with immunoglobulins, antibiotic therapy, bone marrow transplantation or gene therapy.

C. Allergic reactions:

  1. Description: Allergic reactions are excessive immune answers to usually harmless substances, such as pollen, food or medicine.

  2. Mechanism: Allergic reactions are mediated by immunoglobulin E (Ige), which is associated with an allergen and causes the release of histamine and other inflammation mediators from mast cells.

  3. Symptoms: Symptoms of allergic reactions can vary from the lungs (skin rash, runny nose, itching) to severe (anaphylactic shock).

  4. Treatment: Treatment of allergic reactions includes the avoidance of allergen, taking antihistamines, corticosteroids and adrenaline (with anaphylactic shock). Immunotherapy (allergen-specific desensitization) can be effective for some allergies.

V. Studies in the field of immunity

A. New vaccines:

  1. Development of new vaccines: Active studies are underway to develop new vaccines against various infectious diseases, such as HIV, tuberculosis, malaria and cancer.

  2. MRNC-vaccines: MRNC-vaccines, such as vaccines against the Covid-19, are a new vaccination technology that allows you to quickly develop and produce vaccines.

B. Cancer immunotherapy:

  1. Principle Actions: Cancer immunotherapy is a cancer treatment method that uses the body’s immune system to combat the tumor.

  2. Types: Cancer immunotherapy may include monoclonal antibodies, control points inhibitors, car-T cell therapy and cancer vaccines.

  3. Achievements: Cancer immunotherapy has achieved significant success in the treatment of some types of cancer, such as melanoma, lung cancer and lymphoma.

C. Regulation of the immune response:

  1. Study of mechanisms: Studies are underway to study the mechanisms of regulation of an immune response in order to develop new methods of treating autoimmune diseases and allergic reactions.

  2. Regulatory T cells (Treg): Regulatory T cells play an important role in the regulation of the immune response. Research is aimed at developing methods for enhancing the Treg function for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

D. Intestinal microbia and immunity:

  1. Relationship: The relationship between intestinal microbioma and immunity is studied in order to develop new methods for strengthening immunity using probiotics, prebiotics and diets.

  2. Transplantation of fecal microbiots (TFM): Transplantation of fecal microbiota is a treatment method in which a fecal microbiota from a healthy donor is transplanted to the patient in order to restore healthy intestinal microbioma. TFM is used to treat the recurrent infection of Clostridium difficile and is studied for the treatment of other diseases, such as inflammatory intestinal diseases and metabolic syndrome.

E. Personalized immunology:

  1. Individual approach: The concept of personalized immunology develops, which involves the development of individual approaches to strengthening immunity and treating immune diseases, taking into account the genetic characteristics, lifestyle and patient health.

  2. Biomarkers: Biomarkers are looking for that can predict the effectiveness of the immune response and allow you to choose the most suitable treatment.

VI. Immunity and Covid-19

A. Immune response to SARS-COV-2:

  1. Congenital and acquired immunity: The body reacts to the SARS-COV-2 virus both congenital and acquired by an immune response.

  2. Antibodies and T cells: Antibodies that neutralize the virus, and T cells that destroy infected cells are produced.

  3. Cytokine storm: In some cases, an excessive immune response develops, known as a cytokine storm, which can lead to damage to organs and tissues.

B. Vaccines against Covid-19:

  1. Various types of vaccines: Various types of vaccines against Covid-19 have been developed, such as MRNC-vaccines, vector vaccines and inactivated vaccines.

  2. Efficiency: Covid-19 vaccines were effective in preventing infection, severe disease and death.

  3. Boster doses: To maintain protection against COVID-19, it is recommended to administer booster doses of the vaccine.

C. Postinfection immunity:

  1. Duration of immunity: The duration of post-infectious immunity after the COVID-19 has varied and depends on the severity of the disease and individual characteristics of the body.

  2. Reinfection: Covid-19 reinfection, especially new variants of the virus.

D. The influence of the Covid-19 on the immune system:

  1. Long -term consequences: The long-term consequences of the Covid-19 are studied on the immune system, such as impaired immune response and an increased risk of autoimmune diseases.

  2. Long Covid (Long Covid): Long Covid After some people, after transferred Covid-19, long-term symptoms are developed, known as the long-term Covid (Long Covid) syndrome, which may include fatigue, shortness of breath, headache and cognitive disorders. Immune dysregulations can play a role in the development of Long Covid.

VII. Frequently asked questions about immunity

A. Is it possible to “pump” immunity?

  1. The impossibility of “pumping”: There is no way to “pump” immunity. The immune system can be strengthened and supported by a healthy lifestyle, but it is impossible to artificially “pump up” to an unnatural level, which can lead to autoimmune reactions.

B. Do vaccinations affect other diseases?

  1. Vaccines safety: Vaccines are strict security control, and there is no evidence that they cause other diseases. In rare cases, side effects are possible, but they are usually light and short -term.

C. What to do if I often get sick?

  1. Appeal to the doctor: If you are often sick, you must consult a doctor to identify the cause and prescribe treatment.

  2. Examination: The doctor may prescribe an examination to assess the state of the immune system.

D. Do folk remedies help strengthen immunity?

  1. Limited efficiency: Some folk remedies can have an immunomodulating effect, but their effectiveness is not always proved scientifically.

  2. Consultation with a doctor: Before using folk remedies, you need to consult a doctor.

E. How to distinguish a cold from a flu?

  1. Symptoms: Symptoms of colds are usually light and include a runny nose, sore throat and cough. Symptoms of influenza are usually more severe and include high temperature, chills, muscle pain and fatigue.

  2. Appeal to the doctor: If you suspect that you have a flu, you need to consult a doctor to confirm the diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

VIII. The future of immunology

A. Accurate medicine in immunology:

  1. Individual therapy: The development of accurate medicine in immunology will develop individual therapies aimed at specific immune mechanisms that underlie diseases.

  2. Using big data: Analysis of large data, including genetic information, data on immune status and clinical data, will identify patterns and develop new approaches to treatment.

B. Artificial intelligence in immunology:

  1. Drug development: Artificial intelligence can be used to develop new drugs and vaccines, analyzing huge amounts of data and identifying potential targets for exposure.

  2. Diagnosis: Artificial intelligence can be used to diagnose immune diseases, analyzing images and other data.

C. Development of new immunomodulating drugs:

  1. Targeted therapy: Studies are underway to develop new immunomodulating drugs that will more targeted on the immune system and cause less side effects.

  2. Microbiota-oriented therapy: Therapies are developed aimed at modulating the intestinal microbioma to strengthen immunity.

D. Gene therapy of immune diseases:

  1. Correction of genetic defects: Gene therapy can be used to correct genetic defects underlying primary immunodeficiency and other immune diseases.

  2. Development of CAR-T-cell therapy: Genetic engineering is used to develop Car-T-cell therapy, which allows you to create T cells that can destroy tumor cells.

Immunity is a complex and multifaceted system that plays a key role in maintaining health. Understanding the basics of immunity and factors affecting its function allows you to take measures to strengthen and protect against infections and other diseases. Active studies in the field of immunology open up new prospects for the prevention and treatment of immune diseases, as well as for the development of more effective vaccines and immunotherapeutic methods.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *