Interesting Facts About the Immune System

The Home to Unusual Organs

The appendix has a bad reputation for the vestigial organ that does not do anything but creates a need for immediate surgery. However, the appendix might assist in keeping your gut in good shape.

According to Gabrielle Belz, a reckoned professor of molecular immunology at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in Melbourne, Australia, reveals that the appendix abodes symbiotic bacteria that are vital for the overall health of your gut especially post-infection when the good microbes have been washed off. Innate lymphoid cells, specialized immune cells present in the appendix, may assist in the generation of healthy bacteria and stimulate the recovery process of the gut.

The Upcoming Cure to Treat Cancer

Hyperactive pediatric tumors are complex to treat because of the toxicity associated with chemotherapy. However, some scientists are working with developing effective treatments that do not have harmful side effects. Researchers at Standford worked on a study around a rather new molecule called CD47, a protein expressed on the cell’s surface and how the molecule interacts with the macrophages, white blood cells that eliminate the abnormal cells. The lead study author and assistant professor of neurosurgery at the university said that the macrophages were considered similar to the Pac-Man.

CD47 transfers the macrophages a “do not harm me” signals, and the cancer cells trick the immune system into not destroy them by producing a high amount of CD47. When the researchers blocked the messages on the cancer cells, the macrophages identified the cancer cells and killed them without any toxic side effects. This treatment successful shrank five of the most common pediatric tumors without the harmful implications of chemotherapy.

The Evolution of Immunotherapy

Over the past few years, essential research in the immunology landscape has been centered on developing effective cancer cure through immunotherapy. The treatment prepares the healthy cells of the patient to attack the cancer cells.

This technique could be the top of the iceberg and can be used to treat many severe health conditions. It is only a matter of gaining a better understanding of what immunotherapy and cancer are depicting. This can provide the research a direction, and they can manipulate the responses and obtain better outcomes for not just cancer but other diseases as well.

Treating Type 1 Diabetes

In Type 1 diabetes, the body tends to attack its own pancreatic cells, disrupting its capability to produce insulin against the glucose. A researcher at MIT in 2016 collaborated with a Children’s hospital in Boston and designed a new material that enabled them to encapsulate and transplant healthy pancreatic islet cells into diabetic mice without impacting the immune response.

Developed using seaweed, the substance is gentle enough to protect the body from reacting to it and porous to enable the islet cells to be positioned in the mice’s abdomen where they restore the pancreatic abilities. This experiment has a strong potential to provide Type1 diabetes people with a new and healthy pancreas that is shielded from the immune system. This would ensure that their blood sugar level stays in check without having to rely on medications.

Food and the Immune System

The way your immune system functions can be impacted by what you eat. For instance, when you suffer from a food allergy, there is a presence of a lot of undesirable immune responses to particular nutrients. However, there are specific growing indications that food also has substances that can have a positive impact on the functioning of your immune system.

The project, known as IMMUNO-ARRAY, focused on determining which substances have better have positive effects. Proper nutrition is vital to building a robust immune system that can effectively protect you against various health disorders. An adequate amount of protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and more are some nutrients essential for your immune system.

Healthy Relationships and the Immune System

More than those fluttery butterflies feeling, love can actually be quite useful for your immune system. And when that happens, it directly boosts your physical as well as mental health. It is no coincidence that caring and loving relationships make you feel better, mentally and physically.

Loving experiences have a positive impact on the microbiome and immune system in multiple ways. When you are aware that you are not alone, it can significantly reduce the stress level and help you be more relaxed. Such a state of mind supports the microbiome by making it difficult for bacteria to enter your gut.

Laughter is Medicine for the Immune System

In order to understand the connection between laughter and the immune system, you must be aware of the lymphatic system. It is basically the backbone of the immune system that continually collects waste from all parts of the body deposited in the tissues through blood capillaries. The system then cleans the fluid and transfers it back into the circulating blood at your neck.

Contrary to our circulatory system that has a heart that pumps the blood in an ongoing circle throughout the body, the Lymphatic system is a simple transport system devoid of the pump. Studies suggest that laughter facilitates diaphragmatic breathing, which is essential to create intense pressure inside the thoracic duct. During such time, the lymphatic fluid moves to the area with lesser pressure, transferring the lymph through the vessels and increasing the flow and speed.

Exercise and the Immune System

Regular physical activity helps in reducing the chances of contracting heart diseases. Furthermore, it also helps in keeping your bones strong and healthy. According to studies, exercises may help in flushing out the bacteria via airways and lungs. Such actions reduce the chance of dealing with illnesses.

Furthermore, exercises stimulate changes in white blood cells and antibodies and allow them to circulate more rapidly. This activity enables them to detect the pathogens earlier and fight it off quickly.

A Majority of the Immune System is Located in the Gut

Your immune system is present mainly within the lymphatic system. It is a meshy network of vessels as well as glands found throughout your body. There are also congregates in and around the gut. The food passes through the digestive system that carries microbes, toxins, and allergens into your body, so it makes sense that for the immune system to be present in the gut.

Inside the stomach, the immune system regularly works to detect those components and organisms that enter your body so that it can properly absorb the nutrients. If you continuously consume food that your immune system identifies as harmful, you risk throwing it out of balance and becoming more prone to illnesses.

Inflammation is the First Sign

When your immune system gets in contact with a foreign invader, the first reactor is the cells and biological compounds associated with the inflammation process. It is a fast and somewhat messy signal that destroys many things in its way.

While inflammation is somewhat life-saving, when it becomes chronic, it can damage the tissues and make it easier for you to contract illness of disease. A healthy immune system response includes quick inflammation that also resolves quite quickly.

Vitamin D is Imperative

Vitamin D works beyond strengthening your bone; it plays many essential roles in the body. One of the primary functions associated with vitamin D is that it helps balance immunity. Therefore, it is crucial to take the necessary amount of vitamin D daily to maintain an adequate level. If you often get sick, then your vitamin D level might be lower, and it is worth getting it checked.

The primary function of the immune system to keep harmful germs out of the body by destroying them. Your immune system is formed of various networks of cells and organs that work in unison to protect you from illness.

Evidently, a healthy immune system is imperative for your survival. You must make the right efforts to ensure that you have a robust immune system. Furthermore, being well aware of its functioning can help you stay knowledgeable. Above were some important and interesting facts about the immune system that will help you understand your health and well-being a little better.