humoral immune system. Cellular and humoral immunity. Comprehensive Study of Humoral Immunity

Protecting the body from external influence carried out with the help of immunity. Various living bodies and substances that affect the body are perceived by it as alien genetic information. The system that reacts to such influence is called the immune system. The body's defense is a specific ( humoral immunity and cellular level of protection) and non-specific immunity (innate). They differ in the way of formation, the time of occurrence and the nature of the action.

Nonspecific protection is activated by the penetration of antigens - foreign substances. It is considered innate, therefore it is determined varying degrees disease resistance in humans. One of its manifestations is the production of bactericidal substances, phagocytosis and cytotoxic effect. In the formation of specific immunity, the reaction occurs when a foreign substance is introduced. In this case, antibodies are produced by B-lymphocytes and plasma cells as humoral immunity, and T-lymphocytes are involved at the cellular level.

Despite the difference in functioning, specific and non-specific immunity have a joint functioning.

At the first stage after the birth of a person, the formation of nonspecific immunity occurs. In this case, the protection begins to work in response to the penetration of foreign substances.

Humoral immunity and struggle at the cellular level with nonspecific protection are formed under the influence of various factors depending on how the body's immune response occurs.

The natural protective abilities of the body are determined by mechanical barriers that are created when bacteria and infections penetrate into various systems. Nonspecific immunity factors are manifested in the form of:

  • the integrity of the skin;
  • secretions produced by various organs (tears, urine, saliva, sputum);
  • epithelium, villi, forming the mucous membrane of the respiratory system.

All of them prevent the impact of introduced substances on the body. Getting rid of negative impact occurs in the process of sneezing, diarrhea, vomiting. With the right immune response, an increase in body temperature, a violation hormonal background organism.

Biochemical non-specific protection is produced due to the presence of various factors, which include:

  • acids produced by the sebaceous glands;
  • saliva lysozyme, which eliminates the influence of gram-positive bacteria;
  • decreased acidity of urine, secretions from the vagina, gastric juice protecting organs from bacterial attack.

With nonspecific protection, the cellular component plays a huge role. Work in this direction in the body is carried out:

  • mononuclear phagocytes (monocytes, tissue macrophages);
  • granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils);
  • killer cells.

In addition, among the non-specific components of the protective function, there are:

  • complement system (serum proteins);
  • components of humoral immunity, which include innate blood serum antibodies (destroy gram-negative bacteria, protein properdin);
  • protein beta-lysine in platelets (destroys gram-positive bacteria);
  • interferons that help protect cells from viral damage.

Immunity non-specific form has some features that distinguish it from acquired protection.

  1. When foreign bodies penetrate, all factors of natural defense are activated, which leads to side effects.
  2. Non-specific protection does not remember the causative agent of the disease, which leads to the possibility of its further impact on the body.

specific immunity

Specific protection is formed later natural immunity. Due to its special functioning, it is able to recognize various foreign agents, which are called antigens. All studies that are carried out to determine the degree of protection of the body are carried out precisely at the level of the specific properties of the body to prevent the penetration and reproduction of viruses and bacteria.

Specific immunity is divided into two types: cellular and humoral immunity. Their difference lies in the cells involved in the response. At the cellular level, protection is formed under the influence of T-lymphocytes. Humoral factors are caused by B-lymphocytes.

humoral immunity

One of the types of immunity - humoral - begins to act at the time of the formation of antibodies to the introduced foreign chemicals and microbial cells. Important protective functions are carried out during the work of B-lymphocytes. Their action is aimed at recognizing foreign structures. Upon completion of this process, antibodies are produced - specific protein substances (immunoglobulins).

The main feature of immunoglobulins is that they can react only with those antigens that influenced their formation. Therefore, the response of the body occurs if there is a re-penetration of the stimulus, to which there are already antibodies.

Localization of immunoglobulins can be different. Depending on this, they can be:

  • serum - are formed in the blood serum;
  • superficial - located on immunocompetent cells;
  • secretory - are in the fluid secreted by the gastrointestinal tract, lacrimal and mammary glands.

Cells of humoral immunity have some features that affect their functioning.

  1. Immunoglobulins have active centers that are necessary for interaction with antigens. Most often there is more than one.
  2. The connection of an antibody with an antigen depends on the structure of the substances, as well as on the number of active centers in the immunoglobulin.
  3. An antigen may be affected by more than one antibody.
  4. Antibodies can appear immediately after contact with an irritant, and also occur after some time. Depending on this, they are classified into types Ig G, Ig M, Ig A, Ig D and Ig E. Each of them has a unique structure and a set of functional features.

Human humoral immunity is formed as a result of infection, as well as after vaccination. In this case toxic substances, penetrating into the body, are neutralized under the influence of antibodies. At viral infection receptors are blocked by antibodies. After that, the cells of the body absorb the neutralized substances. If bacterial penetration is noted, then the microbes are wetted with the help of immunoglobulins. This leads to facilitating the process of their destruction by macrophages.

Cellular immunity

Cellular immunity is formed under the influence of immunocompetent cells. These include T-lymphocytes and phagocytes. The fight against bacteria is carried out by humoral immunity, while at the cellular level, viruses, fungi and tumors are affected, as well as tissue rejection during transplantation. In addition, slow allergic reactions due to cellular immunity.

The theory of immunity at the cellular level was developed at the end of the 19th century. Many scientists were involved in the process of identifying the patterns of cell work in the field of body defense. However, only one researcher managed to structure knowledge.

The cellular theory of immunity was created in 1883 by Ilya Ilyich Mechnikov. His activities were carried out in the direction of studying the works of Charles Darwin on the processes of digestion of living beings on various stages evolutionary development. Mechnikov continued his research, studying the behavior of sea fleas and starfish larvae. They found that when a foreign body penetrates into an object, the cells of the latter begin to surround the aliens. Then their absorption and resorption begins. At the same time, tissues unnecessary to the body were also eliminated.

The cellular theory of immunity introduces the concept of "phagocyte" for the first time. The term describes cells that "eat" foreign bodies. However, even before that, Mechnikov considered a similar process in the study of intracellular digestion of connective tissues of representatives of the class of invertebrates. In higher animals, leukocytes play the role of phagocytes. Further work of the scientist was carried out in the division of cells into microphages and macrophages.

Thus, the researcher was able to determine phagocytosis, its role in immunity, which is to remove pathogenic microorganisms from various systems.

Cellular and humoral immunity are inextricably linked with each other. This is due to the fact that there are elements that can participate in both one and the other process.

Protection at the cellular level is carried out by T-lymphocytes, which can be in the form of:


Also immunocompetent cells are phagocytes (leukocytes), which can be:

  • circulating (granulocytes and monocytes in the circulatory system);
  • tissue (in connective tissues, as well as in various organs).

When the antigen is introduced, activation of humoral immunity is noted, which gives a signal to start phagocytosis. The process goes through several stages of development.

  1. During chemotaxis, phagocytes tend to a foreign substance due to the complement components, leukotrienes.
  2. At the next stage, macrophages adhere to vascular tissues.
  3. When phagocytes leave the vessel, the process of opsonization begins. During it, a foreign particle is enveloped in antibodies using complement components. Therefore, it becomes easier for phagocytes to absorb the antigen.
  4. After the attachment of the phagocyte to the antigen, the process of absorption and activation of metabolism inside the phagocyte begins directly.
  5. The result of such an impact is the complete destruction of a foreign substance.

In the case of a completed process, the patient is cured. When exposed to gonococci, tuberculosis microbacteria, phagocytosis may be incomplete.

Humoral immunity together with cellular immunity make up a specific immune defense that allows a person to fight various bacteria and viruses. With them correct work recovery and strengthening immune function organism.

Humoral immunity is the means by which the body protects itself from infection by producing antibodies that target foreign material in the bloodstream that is considered potentially harmful.
This is part of the adaptive immunity, activated in response to a specific threat, in contrast to innate immunity, which is constantly active but less efficient.
Another part of the adaptive system is cellular or cell-mediated immunity, in which cells secrete toxins to destroy invaders or attack directly, without the involvement of antibodies. Together, humoral and cellular immunity are designed to protect the body from a variety of threats that can compromise it.

Working mechanisms

This form of immunity begins in specialized white blood cells known as B cells, produced by the bone marrow. They recognize antigens, which are certain molecules, such as certain proteins, on the surface of a virus or bacterium.
There are different B cells designed to respond to a specific antigen.
B cell will multiply, creating great amount individuals who release antibodies designed to attach to an antigen on an infecting organism; they essentially turn into little antibody factories in the blood, floating around to capture as many invaders as possible.
Once these antibodies are marked, the invaders will be destroyed by other immune cells.
When the invader is removed, many of the B cells made to fight that particular threat will die, but some will remain in the bone marrow and act as a "memory" of that attack.
Humans are born with a set of innate immune responses that are designed to recognize wide types cells and organisms, but humoral immunity is acquired by exposure to viruses, bacteria. Over time, the body accumulates more "memories" of previous attacks by harmful microorganisms.

Long-term protection of the body from harmful effects

Humoral immunity can provide long-term immunity to many infectious agents. When the body is attacked by an agent such as a virus that it has not encountered before, it must start from scratch and usually takes several days to establish an effective immune response. During this time, the virus can multiply unhindered, causing an infection that can cause unpleasant and possibly dangerous symptoms. Only when the body has produced a large number of appropriate antibodies, it can fight infection.
If, however, he encounters this virus again, he will usually be much better prepared, thanks to the preservation of the B-cells created in response to the previous attack, and he can immediately work to eliminate the invader.
Graft.
Humans can be injected with dead or inactivated forms dangerous virus or bacteria that will stimulate humoral immunity without posing any threat to the body.
If at some point in the future that person is exposed to the agent, an immediate immune response must ensue to eliminate it before it can cause serious damage.
Vaccination is more effective for some types of infection. Unfortunately, some viruses mutate quickly, causing changes in the compounds on their surfaces that are humoral. the immune system used to recognize them. That is why it is necessary to constantly develop new vaccines. People vaccinated against the rapidly mutating virus may be immune to the new strain that appears next year because chemical substances on its surface have changed and will not be recognized by the body's B-cell antigens.

To date, it has been identified wide range types of human immune systems, among which it is necessary to distinguish cellular and humoral. The interaction of both types ensures the recognition and destruction of foreign microorganisms. The presented publication will help to consider the features and principles of operation of the extracellular defense system in more detail.

What is humoral immunity?

humoral immunity - this is the protection of the human body from the regular entry into the internal environment of foreign pathogens of infections and diseases. Protection is carried out by means of proteins soluble in internal fluids, human blood - antigens (lysozyme, interferon, reactive protein).

The principle of operation is the regular formation of substances that contribute to the prevention and spread of viruses, bacteria, microbes, regardless of what kind of microorganism has entered the internal environment, dangerous or harmless.

The humoral link of immunity includes:

  • Serum - contains C - a reactive protein whose activity is aimed at eliminating pathogenic microbes;
  • Secrets of the glands that prevent the development of foreign bodies;
  • Lysozyme - stimulates the dissolution of bacterial cell walls;
  • Mucin - a substance aimed at protecting the shell of the cellular element;
  • Properdin - responsible for blood clotting;
  • Cytokines are a combination of proteins secreted by tissue cells;
  • Interferons - perform signaling functions, notifying about the appearance of foreign elements in the internal environment;
  • Complementary system - the total number of proteins that contribute to the neutralization of microbes. The system includes twenty proteins.

Mechanisms

The mechanism of humoral immunity is the process during which the defensive reaction aimed at preventing the penetration of viral microorganisms into the human body. The state of health and vital activity of a person depends on how the process of protection proceeds.

The process of protecting the body consists of the following steps:

  • There is a formation of B - a lymphocyte, which is formed in the bone marrow, where the lymphoid tissue matures;
  • Next, the process of antigen exposure to plasma cells and memory cells is carried out;
  • Antibodies of extracellular immunity recognize foreign particles;
  • Acquired antibodies are formed immune protection.

The mechanisms of the immune system are divided into:

Specific - the action of which is aimed at the destruction of a specific infectious agent;

Non-specific — differ in the universal character of orientation. The mechanisms recognize and fight any foreign antibodies.

Specific Factors

Specific factors of humoral immunity are produced by B-lymphocytes, which are formed in the bone marrow, spleen, and lymph nodes within two weeks. Presented antigens react to the appearance of foreign particles in body fluids. Specific factors include antibodies and immunoglobulins (Ig E, Ig A, Ig M, Ig D). The action of lymphocytes in the human body is aimed at blocking foreign particles, after this process phagocytes come into action, which eliminate viral elements.

Stages of antibody formation:

  • Latent phase (inductive) - during the first days, the elements are produced in small quantities;
  • Productive phase - the formation of particles occurs within two weeks.

Non-specific factors

The list of nonspecific factors of humoral immunity is represented by the following substances:

  • Elements of tissue cells;
  • Blood serum and the protein elements contained in it, which stimulate the resistance of cells to pathogens;
  • Secrets internal glands- help to reduce the number of bacteria;
  • Lysozyme is a substance that has an antibacterial effect.

Indicators of humoral immunity

The action of humoral immunity is carried out by developing the elements necessary to protect the body. The amount of antibodies obtained and the correct functioning of them depends general state and vitality of the human body.

If necessary, to determine the parameters of the extracellular immune system, it is required to conduct complex analysis blood, the results of which determine total formed particles and possible violations actions of the immune system.

Cellular and humoral immunity

Favorable functioning of extracellular immunity is ensured only through interaction with cellular defenses. The functions of the immune systems differ, but there are similar characteristics. They render effective impact on the internal system of the human body.

difference between humoral and cellular immunity lies in their object of influence. Cellular functions directly in the cells of the body, preventing the reproduction of foreign microorganisms, and humoral affects viruses and bacteria in the extracellular space. One immune defense system cannot exist without the other.

Of great importance in the life of every person is the vitality of his internal environment. Strengthen immune defenses and help protect human body from pathogenic bacteria and viruses.

Humans have two types of immunity - cellular and humoral immunity. Both types of immunity perform different functions, but are closely related. Therefore, the separation of both types is relative. Humoral immunity is the ability to eliminate infections due to antibodies. They are present in blood plasma, mucous organs of vision, saliva.

This type of immunity is produced in the womb, passes to the fetus through the placenta. Antibodies come to the child during the first months of life through mother's milk. Milk protects the child from intense influence multiple types microbes and microorganisms. Breastfeeding is a key factor in the development of the baby's immune system.

Produced protective function organism from infectious diseases thus: When an antigen is remembered for a particular disease. If the infection re-enters the body, then the antibodies recognize it and exterminate pathogenic organisms. During vaccinations, a drug is injected in order to further recognize the antigen and absorb it.

Humoral and cellular immunity: features of functions

Cellular immunity protects against viral diseases caused by pathogenic fungi, tumors. Directly this species takes part in the rejection of various foreign tissues, allergic responses and is produced by phagocytes. These cells protect the body by absorption (phagocytosis) of foreign substances, particles, microorganisms. The blood contains mostly granulocytes and monocytes.

The former are considered a type of leukocytes, provide defensive forces organism. They are the first to notice inflammatory process.

The second type of leukocytes refers to large blood cells. Monocytes protect against viruses and infections, absorb blood clots, protect against the formation of thrombosis, and fight tumors. Immune protection requires the process of phagocytosis (absorption), when a foreign substance is absorbed by phagocytes.

Both immunities cannot exist and function one without the other. The difference lies in their functionality. When humoral immunity fights directly with microorganisms, then cellular immunity fights fungus, cancer and various microbes. For normal operation The immune system is important 2 types of immunity.

To increase protection, you should constantly drink vitamins, keep healthy lifestyle life. Also, a decrease in immunity is characterized by constant lack of sleep and stress on the body. In the latter options, you will need to take drugs that regulate the immune system. Immunity is one of the factors of well-being. When the activity of the immune system is not maintained normally, then all microbes, infections will attack the body constantly.

Restoration of immunity

To regenerate a weak immune defense, it is initially necessary to find out the root cause of failures. Violation of specific parts of the immune system is considered the source of certain diseases. Weak body resistance to infections can also indicate problems with the immune system. Treatment of diseases that have reduced immunity contribute to it quick recovery. These diseases include diabetes and chronic diseases.

Lifestyle change is considered one of the better ways in deciding how to increase humoral immunity.

The method covers:

  • quitting smoking and alcohol;
  • compliance with sleep and wakefulness;
  • sports and outdoor activities;
  • hardening of the body;
  • balanced diet with vitamins.

Humoral immunity can be effectively restored by taking vitamins, traditional medicine and special medicines. Any means to restore the immune system are prescribed by an immunologist in exact dosage, according to the instructions. Taking vitamins and minerals is especially beneficial in the spring. Berry fruit drinks, honey, wild rose, aloe can restore immunity.

Adoption medicinal substances and vitamins to enhance any kind of immunity will not give results when not detected, not eliminated main factor its decline. Pharmaceuticals prescribed by the doctor. Self-medication is prohibited.

Mechanism of humoral immunity

The implementation of humoral immunity is based on the mechanism of influence of substances that destroy pathogenic bacteria through the blood. Such elements are divided into groups - specific (Engerix helps) and non-specific. The cells of innate immunity are classified as conditions of a nonspecific nature, which suppress microorganisms.

The group includes:

  • Serum;
  • Secrets of glands that inhibit the formation of bacteria;
  • The enzyme lysozyme. The antibacterial agent destroys the chemical. relationships in the wall structure pathogenic organisms;
  • Mucin enters the salivary glands. These are carbohydrates and proteins, which are called glycoproteins. The unusual composition enables the main mucus glycoproteins to protect the cell layers from the effects of toxic substances;
  • Properdin - a blood serum protein from the globulin group, is responsible for blood coagulation;
  • Cytokines are small peptide signal (control) molecules. They transmit signals between these cells. There are a couple of groups, the main of which is considered to be interferons;
  • Interferons (autogenous glycoproteins) are substances of a protein nature that have general protective properties. If an inflammatory process begins, they give a signal. In addition to this ability, they suppress pathogens. There are a number of types of autogenous glycoproteins. Alpha and Beta arise from viral infection, and Gamma is formed due to immune cells.

It is worth considering the concept of the complement system - protein complexes that perform the function of neutralizing bacteria. The complement system includes up to twenty proteins with their own serial number(C1, C2, C3 and others).

Immunology

Specific response is a single factor. For example, in childhood, a child had smallpox. As an adult, he will no longer suffer from this disease, since immunity has already developed. This also applies to all those vaccinations that a person was given at an early age.

The non-specific form involves multi-purpose protection, innate, including the body's response to infection entering the body.

Humoral immune response - the synthesis of antibodies by B cells in response to the appearance of pathogenic organisms in the human body. As the humoral immune response progresses from the stage of antigen detection to more intensive production of antibodies, 2 main actions are performed:

  • transition of antibody synthesis from one species to another;
  • increase in the binding strength of the active zones of antibodies with reactive groups of the antigen.

The place of formation is considered to be follicles with an additional membrane or places of concentration of B-lymphocytes in the lymphoid tissue. At the periphery of the follicle, antigen detection occurs. A subpopulation of T-lymphocytes enters the process, assisting in the production of antibodies. B-lymphocytes begin to intensively divide.

Switching of immunoglobulin genes takes place, the number of probable mutations increases. On the plane of lymphocytes different types class G immunoglobulins. B-cell clones at breeding sites are selected based on the high degree of affinity for their receptors. Cells with an increased degree of affinity differentiate into:

  • plasma cells;
  • cells that store information about previously acting antigens.

The participation of the formed antibodies is expressed in 3 forms:

  1. reaction of neutralization of microorganisms;
  2. enhanced phagocytic activity;
  3. activation of a complex of complex proteins.

The causative agents of diseases in the course of existence in the host organism enter the extracellular environment. Presence in body fluids can be long (if we talk about extracellular pathogenic bacteria) or smaller when the body is affected by intracellular microorganisms.

During normal immune activity, infectious agents, toxic substances present outside the host cells, are exposed to such immunoglobulins:

  • An effector molecule is a small molecule whose concentration regulates the activity of a protein molecule;
  • B-lymphocytes are able to produce antibodies in two forms - membrane-bound and secreted (soluble).

Why immunity decreases

A decrease in the functioning of the immune system has specific prerequisites that indicate health problems. They are relatively divided into a number of groups:

Wrong lifestyle:

  • poor nutrition;
  • a painful condition that occurs when there is insufficient intake of vitamins in the body compared to their consumption;
  • a condition characterized low content hemoglobin or red blood cells in the blood;
  • excess or lack of physical activity;
  • sleep disturbances;
  • drinking alcohol, smoking;
  • bad ecology;
  • poisoning of the body with emissions.

Immunity can be reduced due to diseases:

  • pathology of the circulatory system;
  • diarrhea due to impaired absorption (violation of the digestive-transport function of the small intestine);
  • fast and a sharp decline kidney and liver function;
  • self-poisoning of the body by nitrogenous compounds, such as urea, uric acid, creatinine and indican;
  • HIV infection;
  • congenital and acquired immunodeficiencies;
  • oncological diseases;
  • long-term antibiotic treatment;
  • chemotherapy;
  • helminths.

There is no need to self-medicate, as increasing immunity is not an easy task. As a result, medical supervision is required.

Comprehensive Study of Humoral Immunity

An immunogram is a list of characteristics that are deciphered according to the results of a blood test. Thus, you can learn about the work of the immune system. However, with the procedure it is impossible to know the factor of the disease. Finding out whether there is immunity to a particular disease will also not work.

The immune system has a complex mechanism. Therefore, the characteristics are evaluated not only by number, however, by their correspondence and dynamics. As a rule, the following characteristics are indicated in the immunogram:

  • The number of lymphocytes;
  • T-lymphocytes (recognize the antigen and report to B-lymphocytes);
  • T-helpers ( main function which is to enhance the adaptive immune response);
  • Natural killers (large granular lymphocytes that are part of innate immunity);
  • B-lymphocytes (having received information, they secrete antibodies);
  • The level of immunoglobulins that destroy pathogenic microorganisms;
  • cell death marker.

Alien elements captured by antibodies, which should soon dissolve. When they accumulate a very large number, then this is a criterion for autoimmune diseases. That is, the body does not recognize its cells, it forms antibodies to attack ( elevated level blood sugar, myelin sheath damage nerve fibers head and spinal cord., inflammatory disease connective tissue joints).

Good afternoon, dear friends! So, today we will again focus on an important component for human health - its immunity.

Of course, we all understand that it is necessary to monitor our health, and each of us has repeatedly heard and uttered this phrase himself - increasing immunity. Today our topic will be one of the sides of this issue, namely, what is humoral immunity?

This term is often heard in medical institutions. Let's try and understand what it means and how it works. The classification of the types of the human defense system is quite extensive, and includes several points.

Humoral factors of immunity, expressed in simple words, is the constant production of antibodies designed to destroy pathogenic viruses and infectious manifestations. The confrontation must be constant, the only way to preserve health and prevent dangerous diseases. Human immunity is a link that should not be weak.

In connection with this type of protective system, it is impossible not to mention the second type, which is somewhat different in its functionality, but is inextricably linked with the above. This is a cellular type of defense system. Together they achieve excellent effect. What is the difference between cellular and humoral immune protective action?

  • Cellular has the ability to recognize and infect fungi, viruses, foreign cells and tissues in its own cellular structures.
  • The humoral theory of immunity is associated with the defeat of bacteria located in the pericellular space, and mainly in the plasma.

The theory is based on the processes of specific interaction of antibodies. The basis of immunity B - lymphocytes synthesized with native proteins, are able to instantly respond to the appearance of foreign proteins.

At the same time, as soon as a foreign substance appears in the blood, even regardless of its harmfulness, antibodies are immediately formed. And such a reaction can cause the defeat of the "foreigner" without much effort.

That is, to make it completely clear, the mechanism of action is simple, the protection of our blood and cells during humoral immunity is carried out by proteins antigens. They are part of the blood composition and other fluids of our body with you.

humoral immunity - This is the recognition of bacteria in any body fluid, whether it be blood, lymph, saliva or another. The name "humoral" is liquid, moisture. With the widespread formation of antibodies or immunoglobulins, whether Bone marrow, lymph nodes or intestines, protein compounds "stick" to foreign bacterial structures. Successfully destroy them, then removing them from the body with the same fluid. There are five main types of immunoglobulins:

A, D, E, G, M. Of all the lymphocytes we have, they are determined in the body by about 15%.

A bit of history


The history of the study of the humoral link of immunity goes back to the years when, in the 19th century, a dispute arose between two prominent scientists, Ilya Mechnikov and Paul Erlich. At that time, so much attention was paid to the issue of immunity and people suffered from constant serious illnesses and infectious lesions.

On the basis of this intractable task, the opinions of pundits agreed in a dispute. Mechnikov's proofs were based on the fact that immune properties The human body works exclusively at the level of cellular processes. That is, cells are the basis of immunity.

Ehrlich argued with his opponent and argued that blood plasma is the main engine of protective processes, and immunity depends on its composition. This went on for many years, and neither of them became the winner of an important dispute, or rather, they both turned out to be winners and received the Nobel Prize.

Here is such a true story from the life of great scientists, which made it possible, through a long study, to make important discovery. It is believed that humoral immunity was discovered by P. Ehrlich.

It turned out that one proved the benefits of cellular immunity, and the other humoral. We know the outcome of the dispute, both protective systems are of great importance for a person and are closely interconnected with each other. The regulation of protective processes occurs in two systems, cellular and molecular.

It was only through the interaction of this symbiosis that a multicellular creature arose, capable of withstanding the endless attacks of viruses and pathogenic microbes. And the name of this creature is Man. Our unique system has allowed us to survive and pass through the millennia, constantly adapting to the environment.

Humoral specific and nonspecific immunity


We all react differently to external negative factors capable of causing disease. Some begin to mope and experience signs of illness from the slightest breath of a breeze, others can withstand an ice hole. All this is the mechanism of action of the protective background.

work today human body, physicians classify as specific and nonspecific. Let's take a closer look at each of the concepts.

  • A specific reaction or form is directed to any single factor. An example would be a person who was ill as a child chicken pox, after which, he built a strong immunity to this disease. This can also include all those vaccinations and vaccinations that we were given in childhood.
  • The non-specific form implies universal protection, given by nature and the body's response to infection.

Let's look at the principle of operation of these two forms in more detail.

To factors specific property primarily belong to immunoglobulins or antibodies. They are engaged in the blood by white cells, otherwise they can be called B - lymphocytes. How are antibodies produced in the body?

The first part always appears by transmission at birth from the mother, the second through breast milk. Time passes, and a person becomes able to produce them himself from stem cells or after exposure to a vaccine.

To non-specific factors include substances without a clear specialization, these are: tissue particles of the body, blood serum and proteins in it, glands and their secretory ability to inhibit the growth of microbes, lysozyme, which contains an antibacterial enzyme.

The humoral link of immunity plays important role in both cases and is built by constant education in internal systems body of "smart" antibodies.

Violations

Methods of study allow to reveal violations in humoral immunity. This is done using special analysis- Immunograms. This survey allows you to understand the number of B-lymphocytes, immunoglobulins in the body, the interferon index and other important parameters.

This test is done by drawing blood from a vein. This is done on an empty stomach in the morning, so that before that there were 8 hours of abstinence from food, alcohol and smoking.

These are all pretty hard concepts to grasp. ordinary person Rather, it is the prerogative of specialists. But still, it is interesting to understand the principle of immunity and expand your horizons a little in this matter. Do not forget to support your body, and remember that your health depends on the state of humoral immunity!

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