The immune system is a vital component of our overall health. It plays an important role in safeguarding the body against infections and viruses.
Before delving into the significance of the immune system’s role, it is essential to understand its nature and functions in the body, which is the focus of this article.
What is the Immune System?
We all experience illnesses from time to time. What’s important is timing the interval of how quickly we fall ill. The answer to this lies in our immune system. The immune system is a defence mechanism that not only helps prevent illnesses but also helps in recovering from them and repairing the body after the diseases.
The immune system, also known as the immunity system, is responsible for protecting the body from diseases. It closely examines the substances present in the body. If it detects any unfamiliar substance, it triggers a response from the immune system. Germs and viruses, which contain foreign proteins, are recognized as “foreign” by the immune system, activating the immune system to take action against them.
Signs such as fever and inflammation indicate that the immune system is actively responding to a threat.
The immune system identifies a broad range of agents, known as pathogens, ranging from viruses to parasitic worms. It distinguishes them from healthy tissues and cells. However, it is not invincible. It struggles to recognise and act against cancer cells.
In some cases, the immune system identifies cancer cells but lacks the strength to eliminate them. Cancer cells can also release substances that suppress the immune system or keep it inactive.
Researchers have been continuously working on methods to counter this effect of cancer cells. They have developed a method to improve the immune system’s ability to recognise and combat cancer cells. This is known as Immunotherapy.
Understanding Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy involves using substances produced by the body or in a laboratory to enhance or restore the immune system’s functions. It achieves this by stimulating the existing immune system to work more efficiently against viral or cancerous cells, introducing external immune system components, or impeding the growth and spread of these cells.
Types of Immunotherapy
There are various types of immunotherapy including monoclonal antibodies, non-specific immunotherapies, oncolytic virus therapy, T-cell therapy, and different vaccines.
Maintaining a robust and healthy immune system is integral to cultivating a lifestyle free from diseases and illnesses. Immunotherapy stands as a promising avenue for reinforcing the immune system’s capabilities in the fight against various health challenges.