We often hear about building our immunity, immunity-boosting drugs, and strengthening the immune system. Such slogans are particularly common during the autumn and winter seasons when we are even more exposed to colds and illnesses. But what is immunity, and can immunity-boosting drugs prevent us from getting sick? We know that immunity is important to us, but why? Let's take a closer look at how the immune system functions and the types of immunity to better understand its significance.
What is immunity? How does the immune system function? What are the types of immunity? What is immunity?
Immunity is a set of defensive mechanisms that protect the body from microorganisms and disease-causing pathogens. It is thanks to immunity that diseases do not develop in our bodies or are quickly mitigated.
The primary tool responsible for immunity is the immune system. External barriers such as the skin, bodily secretions, natural bacterial flora, and enzymes also assist in defending our bodies.
The process of building immunity begins during fetal life, but full immunity is not achieved until the end of the maturation period. That's why it's so important to support the development of immunity.
How does the immune system function?
The immune system, also known as the immune system, consists of lymphatic tissues, primary and secondary lymphatic organs, immune system cells, and some individual molecules, such as antibodies. Lymphatic organs include the thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes. Primary lymphatic organs are responsible for the development of lymphocytes, while secondary organs create the environment for cell function.
The spleen, the largest lymphatic organ, produces antibodies, lymphocytes, and monocytes, and it also stores blood. The thymus, another essential organ, controls lymphatic tissues, mainly lymph nodes and the spleen. It also prevents the development of allergies, affects metabolism, growth, and even reproductive abilities.
Lymphatic tissue contains all the body's lymphocytes, which are responsible for defending the body against microorganisms. The lymphatic organs, cells, and antibodies are responsible for all immune responses in our bodies.
The primary function of the immune system is to protect against biological factors. The immune system also serves as a barrier against harmful chemical substances and physical damage.
How does the immune system work?
When a disease-causing pathogen enters our body, a two-phase reaction begins. The first phase, called induction, serves to identify the antigen and present it to lymphocytes. During the second effector phase, lymphocytes initiate their actions, defending the body against microorganisms.
What are the types of immunity? The first way to classify immunity is by distinguishing between innate and acquired immunity.
Innate immunity, also known as nonspecific immunity, involves inheriting receptors from one generation to the next that can recognize many pathogens. This type of immunity is the first line of defense, working very quickly but less precisely than acquired immunity. Innate immunity activates its mechanisms immediately upon contact with the antigen, which makes it act swiftly. It's important to note that this type of immunity places external barriers such as the skin and mucous membrane cells as the first line of defense.
Additionally, it is supported by the body's secretions, including sweat, sebaceous gland secretions, and gastric juices, which can destroy certain bacteria. Immune system cells also play a role in innate immunity, and all these mechanisms work to inhibit the activity of foreign and unwanted molecules.
Acquired immunity, also known as specific immunity, develops in the human body after each contact with a pathogen. This is a more specialized form of immunity that develops and acts more slowly but is precisely targeted at a specific harmful pathogen. Acquired immunity activates its defense mechanisms even several days after contact with the antigen. The main components of acquired immunity are lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell responsible for recognizing antigens and reacting appropriately by destroying the harmful antigen. Vaccines are a good example of acquired immunity. Immunity following vaccination is achieved through an immune response similar to that obtained after recovering from a disease.
These types of immunity can be further divided. In the case of nonspecific immunity, passive and active immunity can be distinguished. Passive immunity is obtained through the skin and mucous membranes, i.e., external barriers and secretions. Active immunity, on the other hand, is associated with the body's system that detects and damages pathogens. The same division exists for specific immunity. Passive specific immunity consists of immune system cells coming from the outside, while active specific immunity is made up of cells produced by the body after contact with a pathogen.
