When a foreign object appears in the body, immunity becomes the protection of human he alth. The risk of contracting infectious diseases depends on how developed it is. Thus, immunity is the body's ability to resist foreign invasions.
The immune system is in close interaction with other systems in the human body. Therefore, for example, the nervous or endocrine diseases that he has will significantly reduce immunity, and low immunity, in turn, can endanger the entire body.
The described protection of the body is divided into two types: innate and acquired immunity. Next, we will tell you more about their features and methods of action.
Innate body defenses
Each person is born with his own protective functions, which constitute immunity. Innate immunity is inherited and accompanies a person all his life.
At birth, a child from a sterile mother's womb enters a new world for him, where he is immediately attacked by new and not at allfriendly microorganisms that can seriously harm the he alth of the baby. But he doesn't get sick right away. This is exactly what happens because in the fight against such microorganisms, the body of the newborn helps the natural innate immunity.
Each organism fights on its own for internal security. The innate immune system is quite strong, but it directly depends on the heredity of a particular person.
Formation of body defenses
Innate immunity begins its formation when the child is in the womb. Already from the second month of pregnancy, particles are laid that will be responsible for the safety of the child. They are produced from stem cells, then enter the spleen. These are phagocytes - cells of innate immunity. They work individually and do not have clones. Their main function is to search for hostile objects in the body (antigens) and neutralize them.
The named process occurs with the help of certain mechanisms of phagocytosis:
- Phagocyte moving towards antigen.
- Attached to it.
- The phagocyte membrane is activated.
- The particle is either drawn into the cell, and the edges of the membrane close over it, or lies in the formed pseudopodia, enveloping it.
- A vacuole containing a foreign particle enters lysosomes containing digestive enzymes.
- Antigen is destroyed and digested.
- Degradation products are ejected from the cell.
In the bodythere are also cytokines - signaling molecules. When dangerous objects are detected, they cause phagocytes. Using cytokines, phagocytes can call other phagocytic cells to the antigen and activate dormant lymphocytes.
Protection in action
Immunity plays an important role in the degree of the body's resistance to infections. Innate immunity in such cases provides protection for the body by 60%. This happens through the following mechanisms:
- the presence of natural barriers in the body: mucous membranes, skin, sebaceous glands, etc.;
- liver work;
- functioning of the so-called complement system, consisting of 20 proteins synthesized by the liver;
- phagocytosis;
- interferon, NK cells, NKT cells;
- anti-inflammatory cytokines;
- natural antibodies;
- antimicrobial peptides.
Inherited ability to destroy foreign substances is usually the first line of defense for human he alth. The mechanisms of innate immunity have such a feature as the presence of effects that quickly ensure the destruction of the pathogen, without preparatory steps. The mucous membranes secrete mucus, which makes it difficult for microorganisms to attach, and the movement of the cilia clears the respiratory tract of foreign particles.
Innate immunity does not change, it is controlled by genes and inherited. NK cells (so-called natural killers) of innate defense kill pathogens that form inbody, it can be carriers of the virus or tumor cells. If the number and activity of NK cells falls, the disease begins to progress.
Acquired immunity
If a person has innate immunity from birth, then acquired immunity appears in the process of life. It comes in two types:
- Naturally derived - formed during life as a reaction to antigens and pathogens entering the body.
- Artificially acquired - formed as a result of vaccination.
An antigen is introduced by a vaccine and the body responds to its presence. Having recognized the "enemy", the body produces antibodies to eliminate it. In addition, for some time this antigen remains in the cellular memory, and in the event of its new invasion, it will also be destroyed.
Thus, there is an "immunological memory" in the body. Acquired immunity can be "sterile", that is, it can last for life, but in most cases it exists as long as the harmful pathogen is in the body.
Principles of protecting innate and adaptive immunity
The principles of protection have one direction - the destruction of malicious objects. But at the same time, innate immunity fights dangerous particles with the help of inflammation and phagocytosis, while acquired immunity uses antibodies and immune lymphocytes.
These two protections work interrelatedly. The compliment system is an intermediary between them, with its help continuity is ensured.immune response. Thus, NK cells are part of innate immunity, while they produce cytokines, which, in turn, regulate the function of acquired T-lymphocytes.
Increased protective properties
Acquired immunity, innate immunity - all this is a single interconnected system, which means that an integrated approach is needed to strengthen it. It is necessary to take care of the body as a whole, this contributes to:
- enough physical activity;
- proper nutrition;
- good environment;
- vitamin intake;
- frequently airing the room and maintaining a favorable temperature and humidity in it.
Nutrition also plays an important role in the effectiveness of the immune system. For it to work clearly, the diet must contain:
- meat;
- fish;
- vegetables and fruits;
- seafood;
- fermented milk products;
- green tea;
- nuts;
- cereals;
- beans.
Conclusion
From the above, it is clear that a well-developed immunity is necessary for normal human life. Innate immunity and acquired immunity act interrelatedly and help the body get rid of harmful particles that have penetrated into it. And for their quality work, it is necessary to give up bad habits and adhere to a he althy lifestyle so as not to violatevital activity of "useful" cells.
