Showing posts with label Immune System. Show all posts

T Cells in the Immune System

10:20 AM

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T Cells in the Immune System

Lymphocyte:
Cells of the immune system responsible for defense reactions of the body against foreign substances he considers.

Cells belong to the family of leukocytes (white cells), representing approximately 20 to 30% of blood leukocytes, or 1 000 to 4 000/mm 3. They are distinguished by their small size (7 to 9 microns in diameter), their nucleus, round or ovoid, and their cytoplasm, scarce and poor in granules.

There are several types of cell, defined by both their function and membrane markers, designated according to the nomenclature CD (cluster of differentiation, or class differentiation) followed by a number. These markers are molecules defines a group of cells with common properties. These different types derived from the same precursors, lymphoid stem cells from bone marrow hematopoietic.

B cells

These immune system cells represent about 10% of lymphocytes circulating in the blood and develop in the bone marrow (bone marrow in English, hence the name). B cells are responsible for humoral immune response: they are specialized in the production of antibodies, they secrete after being transformed into plasma cells and that play in the "humors" (liquid) from the body. Their activation is a multistep process: B lymphocytes carry immunoglobulins - or antigen receptors - on their cytoplasmic membrane, each cell with a type of immunoglobulin of its own. When one of them encounters a circulating antigen, complementary to the immunoglobulin is the signal for him that he must produce antibodies (immunoglobulins identical to those of its membrane, but in soluble form) to fight against this foreign antigen. Lymphocytes from all divisions of such a B cell clone formed a group called and are endowed with the same specificity and the same mission as the parent cell.

T cells

These immune system cells whose maturation occurs in the bone marrow and the thymus - hence the name - gland at the top of the chest behind the breastbone. T cells differentiate into two populations responsible for the cellular immune response.

- The auxiliary CD4 T lymphocytes, or T "helper" or T4, are specialized in the secretion of cytokines (including interleukins), molecules enabling them to cooperate with other cells, which are responsible for the elimination of antigens.
- The CD8 T cells or T8, include two types of cells: cytotoxic lymphocytes capable of killing cancer cells, foreign or those infected with a virus, and suppressor T cells, whose role is to control immune responses.

As B cells, T cells have membrane molecules - antigen receptors - adapted to the recognition of the antigen against which they struggle. But it must be presented to them by a specialized cell such as a macrophage, which degrades the antigen and prepares the fragments by combining them with molecules that have a say, the molecules of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Them, vary from one individual to another, also determine the potential for graft between two subjects.

- NK cells (natural killer of English, natural killer) cells are related to T cells, with whom they share some membrane markers. These cells are endowed with natural cytotoxic activity, they exert spontaneously to destroy cells infected by viruses or cancer cells. Their properties can be enhanced by interleukins secreted by T cells, is referred to as LAK cells (lymphokine activated killer, killer activated by lymphokines). The use of these cells in the treatment of certain cancers is still experienced.

EXPLORATION
Lymphocytes are explored quantitatively by blood count, the study of their distribution between different types based on the expression of membrane molecules of differentiation, as evidenced by highly sophisticated techniques now (immunophenotyping). There is also the most functional exploration methods, which promote the ability to study cell response to activation signals.

PATHOLOGY
Cells can proliferate (leukemia), decrease in number or have functional abnormalities (congenital or acquired immune deficiency such as AIDS). There are also many diseases related to various cell dysfunctions such as autoimmune diseases (multiple sclerosis, diabetes mellitus, systemic lupus erythematosus, etc..) Or allergic (asthma, hay fever).

9:16 AM

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Immune System Deficiency

The immune system consists of a set of complex processes inherent in our body to defend against foreign substances or harmful pathogens and deficient cells in the body.

The main triggers of disease are viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites (worms, for example).

In general, we distinguish the innate immune system (nonspecific) and adaptive immune system (specific).

The innate immune system includes barriers such as skin and mucous membranes, inflammatory reactions to foreign bodies or infections or blood components that can destroy diseased cells. One of the main differences in the innate immune system in relation to the adaptive immune system is the fact that the innate system is able to make an effective first contact with a threat.

With the adaptive immune system, specific, however, there must be a first contact - for example with a virus or a foreign substance to the body. Specific cells then form against these foreign substances (antigens, in medical jargon), which release immune substances (antibodies) to destroy the threat or who are able to directly kill foreign cells. The main advantage of the adaptive immune system is its''memory''SBB. Thanks to the memory cells, the body can react quickly and effectively against the antigen, even after several years. This is known as immunity against the corresponding risk.

The innate and acquired immune systems work together and complement each other in defense of the body.

Weak immune
The terms''low''or''immune compromised immune''confusing but are often used to refer to children and adults who develop a recurrent infections, especially in the upper respiratory tract. For these people, it would be more appropriate to talk about susceptibility to infection as immune deficiency, since the existence of that impairment is difficult to prove - unless there is actually a pathological failure of the immune system .

Susceptibility to infections occur both among healthy individuals and in those already ill. There are several risk groups: children, smokers or patients with chronic lung or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at particular risk.

These recurrent infections may (even if they do not have long term consequences) be very unpleasant and affect quality of life of the individual, but also cause social problems, such as absences from school or work , a stigmatization of children as a result of fear of contamination of other parents or a decrease in social contacts.
Important: Individuals susceptible to infection usually have an intact immune system and could benefit from immunostimulation. Only people with normal immune systems can benefit from a non-specific immunostimulation!

Immunodeficiencies
It should clearly differentiate a susceptibility to infection (immune deficiency) and immunodeficiency. In the case of immune deficiency, the restriction of immune function can be demonstrated and assessed through examinations. We know a number of congenital and acquired immunodeficiency (AIDS or adverse drug reactions, for example). The people involved often fall sick and can, from relatively mild infections, develop severe illness, sometimes involving life-threatening.

Patients with specific immunodeficiency can not benefit from a non-specific immunostimulation by any drug. Depending on the cause of immune deficiency, the only targeted treatment prescribed by a specialist can provide effective protection.

8:57 AM

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How the HIV virus attacks the immune system

Bern (ots) - The molecular shield of the AIDS virus
The envelope of the AIDS virus is fraught with "spikes" called spicules, which help to penetrate the host cell. But our immune system, these spicules are also points of attack against the virus. Researchers supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation (NSF) have now discovered how HIV manages to thwart the host defense.

The AIDS virus, HIV, like a ball bristling with dozens of tiny "spikes" called spicules. These are formed by the envelope proteins of the virus, and they are both his weapon and his weak point. On the one hand, the virus needs to enter host cells and reproduce. The other, they are all points of attack: the antibodies produced immune system to neutralize the AIDS virus are in fact directed against all parts of spicules.

Game of cat and mouse once in the body of the patient, the virus is constantly changing to evade antibodies. Forcing the immune system to constantly create new antibodies suitable. "This is the game of cat and mouse," says Alexandra Trkola, Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich. With colleagues at the University Hospital of Zurich and ETH, the team has shown it takes as part of a recently published study (*) that the spicules of the virus with molecular shields. Their function: antibodies protect against certain structures of particular importance to the virus.

These shields are composed of two neighboring domains and a flexible envelope protein, such as loops that wrap around the loose spicules. In trials conducted on genetically modified viruses, Alexandra Trkola team found that when these loops are missing, the human immune system can inhibit the virus without any problems.

A completely different approach Another thing: it was not known until the exact position of these loops - despite intensive efforts worldwide to obtain information from viral proteins crystallized. Researchers Alexandra Trkola group opted for a completely different approach. They rebuilt a spike, which is normally composed of three identical proteins, from two genetically modified variants of this protein: one fitted and one private loop protection. This allowed them to conclude that the protective loops extend to the neighboring protein.

"It gives us a better idea of the position of the loop," says Alexandra Trkola. But know this exact position is important in view of developing a preventive vaccine against AIDS. "But the path to get there is still long," warns the researcher.

8:32 AM

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Describe the immune system

Your immune system is essential for your good health, which means attention to is important. However, it is likely you will probably not see much thought to how your body protects you against disease. The ads talk about building your resistance as if you were pushing the muscles. It is not so simple.

Writers describe the immune system that does its job as if it was to rally the troops and go to war. Soldiers can be there, but there is no commander in chief and because the systems of your body moves much faster than any human army. It monitors your organic business with the outside world through billions of pieces of information on incoming materials and takes action only when necessary.

The immune system itself is made up of special cells, proteins, tissues and organs and in most cases is a very good job of keeping you healthy. Their core work is to defend your body against infectious organisms and other invaders. Sometimes it has problems which can lead to infection and disease.

White blood cells are the main. They are the soldiers and provide a communications network that helps organize the immune response. Their spots are specialized: some make antibodies, some engulf junk into the bloodstream, some zero in on cancer cells, while others may return against your own body cells have the opportunity. Others memory or a sense of history. These are the cells that remember a time when they produce an antibody to a certain microbe such as influenza, so that when the flu comes around again the cells immediately recognize and produce antibodies destroy. This process is fundamental to the vaccination.

Work your immune system is to protect your body from infections such as cancer, bacteria such as Streptococcus (strep) and polio virus. It protects you by creating a barrier that prevents bacteria and viruses from entering your corps.Si a bacterium or virus gets it in your body, the immune system tries to detect and eliminate before she makes a home and reproduces. If the virus or bacteria can reproduce and start causing problems, your immune system can detect the problem in the early stages and try to eliminate.

Your immune system nautres jobs, too, but you have to keep in good shape, so that it can do its job.

Most people do not realize that the skin is essential when it comes to protect you. The skin not only forms a wall against intruders, but actually it prevents white blood cells if you cut yourself and bacteria enter your injury. Therefore, if your skin is whole and unbroken, it is almost impossible to pick up an infection a toilet seat, regardless of what your mother tells you.

Most of the infections we get inside when we inhale or swallow. They make their way into the bloodstream and move quickly in the body. Which is why we are told to wash our hands because it is in our hands we put on our face and touch your nose or mouth that begins the pattern of traffic for the infection.

The other interesting fact is that the immune system has its own system of movement called the lymphatic vessels that allow white blood cells reach the intruder. Other parties include your tonsils, sleep, thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, appendix and parts of the small intestine and bone marrow. Now you know why the doctors are no longer so willing to take tonsils. They have a mission.

A healthy diet helps you maintain your immune system. All parties need nutrients such as protein, vitamins and minerals and fatty acids, which is why people suffering from malnutrition are prone to get sick. There are many theories but little evidence yet that a specific nutritional supplement will add to your protection. However, being deficient in vitamin such as vitamin b does not put the elderly at higher risk of being ill. Even extra vitamin What it shows little or no effect on the immune system.

However, people who exercise have a better immune system than are sedentary. Even if during the practice exercise will not do much good and may even cause injury. It makes sense. Regular aerobic exercise is good for the heart. Exercise builds bone and muscle. Your body will work better with exercise means that you have a better chance to protect the yourself.will also be in better shape.

The best effort, you can take is to eat a balanced diet varied, fruits and vegetables and low fat dairy products with small amounts of meat and fish. Getting enough sleep is also helpful and, of course, do not smoke.

8:13 AM

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How does the immune system work

The best way to understand the immune response to an invader, be it a virus, bacterium or any other outside agency, is to imagine a war being fought at microscopic levels in our bodies. Based on this metaphor we can think of the immune system as an "army" to defend a country from an attack or invasion from outside. Just like the soldiers do when their country is attacked, the immune system responds to any attack control organismo. The immune system is composed of a complex system of soluble protein and white blood cells (cells) that work together to respond to attacks, limiting damage and diseases caused by invading organisms.

White blood cells (produced within the bone marrow) form three "regiments" different: the phagocytes (including macrophages) and two types of lymphocytes, T cells and B cells The phagocytes are part of a defense mechanism-specific T and B cells and selectively target and represent the body's specific defense mechanism. The elements of the immune system are divided into two main categories: humoral immunity and cell mediated immunity. The humoral immunity refers to antibody production by B cells (see below details). The cell-mediated immunity refers to T cells, and in particular the CD8 cells. This terminology is particularly important for the science of vaccines, because vaccines can induce different, more or less effective, each of the two responses.

The humoral responses are able to effectively block the particles of a virus (or other agents) before the intruder managed to enter the cell: it configures itself as a first line of defense and effective. But once the virus is able to infect the cell, cellular immunity has become crucial to the battle. Each category has its own function, and its defense strategy, but both the one or the other have the same goal: to identify and destroy invading agents and / or bodies which may be harmful to our bodies, creating an 'immunological memory' of these agents, to ensure that, where the same agents present themselves again, the body is able to respond immediately to the invasion.

Within each stage there are several immune response:

First phase: the battle begins;
Second phase: the forces are multiplied;
Third stage: attack and victory against the invader;
Fourth phase: end of hostilities.

Organs of the immune system

The organs of the immune system organs are divided into primary and secondary:

The primary organs [thymus and bone marrow] is the site of origin of the cells of the immune system. E 'in the primary organs that are the precursors of T and B cells These are cells whose DNA is still in
germline configuration and within which have not yet taken place rearrangements of immunoglobulin genes or T cell receptor;
The secondary organs include the lymph nodes, spleen, appendix, plates
of Waldeyer's ring and Peyer (in other words, tonsils, adenoids, and
Palatine lymphatic tissue).

First phase: the battle begins

The phagocytes (which we consider as "spies" of the immune system) constantly patrol throughout the body (the blood stream, tissues, and the lymphatic system). Their goal is to identify every substance, every object and every foreign body (and potentially dangerous to the body). Phagocytes are also called the "scavengers" of the immune system. When the phagocytes identify an enemy, try to incorporate them immediately and destroy it.

While phagocytes are generally capable of destroying chemicals, poisons, and pollutants such as dust, smoke, or particles of asbestos, however, fail to destroy organic invaders such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa.

For this reason, on encountering an invader organic (such as influenza virus), phagocytes, or emit a chemical signal molecules that activate macrophages, phagocytes special to help the phagocytes in the attack the intruder .

A distinctive feature of macrophages is to mobilize specialized elements of the immune system to respond selectively to specific viruses. This is the defense system which includes lymphocytes (T cells and B). To ensure that mobilize lymphocytes, macrophages engulf the virus and have some "pieces" of the virus on its surface. This process is called "antigen presentation". The piece of viruses "developed" on the surface of the macrophage functions as a "red flag" that informs the T cells that an invader has entered the body, thereby activating the immune response. The T cells get their name from the thymus, an organ that is located at the base of the neck. The thymus generates a lot of T cells, each capable of recognizing a different type of antigen (an antigen is a substance that is detected and recognized by a component of the immune system, for example antibodies or cells). The type of antigen that the T cell is able to recognize is determined by the receptors located on the surface of T cells The surface of each T cell has many receptors. We can imagine a door with many locks and each lock for one specific type of key. The keys are the antigens on the surface of macrophages. There are tens of millions of antigens. Our immune system is able to create T cells capable of recognizing the most part, by activating an immune response strong and durable.

Depending on the receptors on the surface of the macrophage, a T cell can distinguish the hepatitis virus from that of 'flu, without ever having seen before. T cells that belong to this category are called "naive T cells." Naive T cells are the fresh troops, the virgin field of battle, called to intervene when we get sick we contract a new disease or a new infection. There are even T cells can recognize antigens produced in artificial laboratory that the human body has never encountered in millions of years of evolution. The type of T cell that recognizes the antigen is called the CD4 cell (also called CD4 helper T-cell or lymphocyte), one of the same name situated on its surface called receptors, in fact, CD4 receptor. Although not usually the cells that kill the invader, CD4 cells are the most important of the entire immune system. This is because their main function is to send signals that direct and mobilize other "troops" into battle. We should think of T-helper cells as troop commanders or generals of the armies raised in defense of our body. CD4 cells and macrophages and then put together their forces, beginning the second phase of the war. The role of CD4 cells in the body's immune response CD4 cells play a crucial role with respect to the body's immune response. CD4 cells protect the body of the invasion of certain bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, and are able to destroy some cancer cells. The CD4 perform many functions, one of which is orchestrating the secretion of a variety of substances, including chemical messengers (such as interferons and interleukin), necessary for the defense of our body; CD4 cells also influence the development and functionality of macrophages and monocytes. Opportunistic infections can get the better of the organism only if the number of CD4 cells is reduced dramatically (below).

Second phase: The forces are multiplied

Once they have received information regarding the new invader by macrophages, CD4 begin to divide and send signals to other components of the defense system to ensure that the system becomes as effective as possible. The additional forces include B cells (so called because they were produced by the bone marrow, in English "bone marrow") and T lymphocytes "killer", a special type of T cells, CD8 also called by the name of a receptor found on their the surface. B cells and CD8 cells are involved in the response to the attack of foreign invaders. B cells (the "Third Regiment") are found in lymph nodes, and are part of the humoral immune system. As with T cells, B cells respond different to different antigens. When an invader is recognized as such by a B cell, the B cell starts to divide to prepare for battle. At a time when B cells reach maturity, they can become plasma B cells, substances capable of producing antibodies that can surround and immobilize a virus or bacterium that moves freely in the blood and that has not yet invaded a cell. When the virus disappears from the blood, the cells die out, leaving the field free for the future battlefield. But a second type of B-cells, called "B-cell memory," will not die, and instead remain in the bloodstream ready to respond more quickly to any external attack. Plasma B cells produce antibodies that make unarmed invading organisms. External agents are generally neutralized by adhering to their surface (thus preventing the invader's ability to carry out its offensive action). The memory cells remember an invader-specific, and remain present in both blood and lymphatic system.

Third phase: The attack and victory

One of the ways in which viruses and bacteria use to invade our bodies, our cells use to their advantage. In this way, cells become "factories" of viruses and bacteria. Responding to the orders of T helper cells, killer T cells destroy infected cells chemically piercing the membrane and ensuring that content is lost. This 'leakage' stops the replication cycle of the virus. Once the contents of an infected cell is lost, the antibodies neutralize the virus attaching itself to the viral surface. This process prevents the virus from invading other cells. The action of the immune system slows the progression of invading organism and causes it to become easy prey to the phagocytes or macrophages involved "cleaning up". The antibodies also produce chemical reactions that can kill infected cells. When all the invaders are destroyed, the war is won, and the troops are finally recalled.

Phase Four: the end of hostilities

Once invaders have been eliminated and a third type of T cells takes over: suppressor T cells or "peacemaker" release a substance that blocks the production of antibodies by B cells These specific T cells to killer T-cells also ordered to stop the attack and the CD4 cells to terminate their management function. In this case, many T cells disappear soon after the battle, but some memory T cells remain in the bloodstream and lymphatic system, and will be able to respond more faster if the same type of virus occur again. At this point the war is won and the person - for the future - is ready to face another attack by the same virus.

8:05 AM

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Immune System response to virus

Depending on the nature of the infectious agent, the immune response will use the resources more effective. In viral infections develop different mechanisms, both in front of the free virus, and against the infected cell.

The viruses need the cellular mechanisms of their cells they infect, to synthesize their proteins. They are intracellular parasites that depend on the infected cell in order to realize their replication. Viruses are generally very simple shapes, composed of protein and nucleic acid , although their structure and composition are highly variable. Are classified, according to leading into the nucleic acid: DNA viruses and RNA viruses, and according to their form and structure in different families.

(CS): single chain. (Cd): double chain

From the immunological point of view, are interested to know the viral replication cycle, to predict the opportunities that have different immune mechanisms to interact with the viral particle, the infected cells, or both. Normally, the viral replication cycle begins by ' union of the virus (virus free) to the host cell through specific receptors (absorption) (1), these receptors determine the tropism and specificity of infection (they can not infect any cell or any species, have their specific tropism), a Once in the cell, the virus removes its cap by releasing the nucleic acid (elimination capsule) (2), to begin the process of viral replication.

At this stage, the synthesis of cellular proteins is inhibited and will be processed only the genetic information of the virus. The mechanisms that act at this stage depends on the type of virus nucleic acid (DNA or RNA). In the case of virus DNA replication occurs (3), forming a new viral DNA. The new viral DNA, through transcription, changes in viral RNA (blue), which through translation, will implement the various viral proteins and then go viral assembly (4). In the case of RNA viruses, transcription is not necessary, you can go directly from the production of new RNA viral proteins. The mechanism of RNA replication, is different for retroviruses, such as from viral RNA by a reverse transcriptase, form viral DNA (joins the cellular genome) starting from which the different phases of replication, etc..

In most viral infections, the immune system has the opportunity to counteract the virus particle, at certain times of infection (prior to entering the cell or leave it, after replication), and the infected cells (during production of viral proteins or the assembly), since they appear in the infection of the membrane antigens that trigger the immune response. In some cases, such as pig endogenous retroviruses (have been described three types: A, B, B1 and C), or in the herpes virus (Aujeszky's disease), the infection can circulate for long periods of time without giving you a virus particle, or that infected cells express membrane antigens. In these moments, the mechanisms of the system immunity are ineffective, because the enemy does not offer any kind of signal, but at a given time (not familiar with all the circumstances) infection and reactive free new infectious virions.

From the point of view of immunology, viral infections can be fought, - once through chemical-physical barriers, fighting against the virus particle (virion), against the infected cells or against both, through different mechanisms of response to natural and acquired.

Response to natural virus

The mechanisms of the most active natural response against viral infections are mediated by 'interferon and activation of NK cells. These mechanisms are directed to the infected cells.

The interferon is a cytokine of which there are three types, called a, b and g. The first two are produced primarily by monocytes-macrophages and to a lesser extent by fibroblasts, and interferon-g is produced by lymphocytes and CD4 CD 8 and NK cells. Interferon has a large capacity and induce different antiviral mechanisms such as: transient resistance of the cells, the induction of different molecules with antiviral activity , activation of genes that express antiviral proteins and an increase of expression of SLA I and SLA II .

NK cells are activated against cells naturally infected by the virus. The mechanism of activation appears to be related to alterations in the expression of SLA in infected cells. The response of NK cells are infected, not based on a reaction antigen (TcR do not have to NK). This cytotoxic mechanism is very effective in viral infections.

Finally, the alternative pathway of complement activates also the lysis of virus particles with great efficiency.

Acquired response against the virus.

The acquired immunity reacts against viral infections, both viral particle, is against the infected cell. Against the viral particle, the most important immunological mechanism, the antibodies, while against the infected cells are the cytotoxic mechanisms mediated by cell ( CD 8 + ) or by antibodies and cells ( ADCC ) or antibody and complement (classical pathway).

Against the viral particle .

The capsid of the virus particle is composed of proteins, which are antigenic and induce a large amount of antibodies that may have different actions against viruses:

Neutralize the infection ( IgG, IgM and IgA ), preventing the virus to enter cells.
Clumping virus (IgM), reducing the number of available units.
Activation of phagocytosis when forming the antigenantibody complex and stimulate the Fc-Receptor of macrophages.

Against the infected cell.

The infected cells can articulate on their membrane antigens, long before you produce the viral assembly. Their destruction is an excellent mechanism to prevent the formation of other viruses acquired .. The answer is in contrast to cells infected with both antibodies (ADCC system, activation of the complement classical pathway, activation of phagocytosis) and cellular cytotoxicity of lymphocytes through the CD 8 +, which is one of the most effective mechanisms against viral infections.

7:49 AM

maestr0

How to improve your Immune System

Course to strengthen their immune system so easy not to get sick enough to follow a few rules.

- Citrus fruits are ideal for restoring the acid-alkaline balance. Drink freshly squeezed over salad or as a seasoning, in place of vinegar as an ingredient in cooking, helps maintain the "atmosphere" inside the body to a pH sufficient to help the development of useful bacteria instead of viruses and bacteria harmful to thrive in more acidic environments. Even the apple cider vinegar is a great help to increase the alkalinity of the body.

- Sleep well. Each agency may need a minimum of 6 hours to a maximum of 10 per night. Sleep is linked hormonal balance (including growth hormone, and the stress, cortisol), lose weight, think and think better, improves mood, and makes the skin more radiant and full of health.

- Eating protein (preferably herbal). Proteins are the building blocks that keep body, mind and immune system health. Diets low in protein tend to be too rich in carbohydrates that are quickly converted into glucose, increasing blood sugar and forcing the pancreas and the immune system.

- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid disidatrazione.

- Avoid coffee. Contrary to the recent studies that indicate them as a source of antioxidants, coffee is not a good food to be taken to the immune system. Caffeine steals minerals and vitamins to your body, and dehydrated. If you drink coffee should be drunk two glasses of water for each additional cup of coffee drinking.

- Avoid refined sugar. You will see the results immediately in the energy level, weight, and ability to think more clearly, no longer having this addiction. Many nutritionists consider sugar a drug for its impact on the human body. Healthy sugars as the sugars of the fruit or the juice of agave and stevia there, while it is good to avoid artificial sweeteners, are more toxic than white sugar. Simple sugars irritate the immune system, preventing immune cells to absorb vitamin C.

- Make buying up fruits and vegetables. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, fiber and enzymes. The nutritional content that you get from fruits and vegetables is incomparable. Many vitamins, including vitamin C, antioxidants and protect cells, including immune system damage from toxins in the environment. The dark vegetables like broccoli and cabbage, are rich in flavonoids, polyphenols and other antioxidants. The great resource of minerals are the algae, which are sell dried, but you can also find unprocessed (dried at low down temperatures so that they keep for the most part of the minerals and enzymes) in health food provisions.

- Go a little time in the cold for the release of endorphins. Most people spend 90% of their lives indoors, breathing filtered air and full of germs of other people. Time spent outdoors and the cold also stimulates the thyroid gland.

- Cultivating oneself. Spend some quality time with friends, enjoy a massage or a hot bath, or a little exercise. Our body extrinsic our emotions, stress and anxiety could manfestare with a sore throat or a cold. Create an environment full of harmony, love and joy (for example, thanks to pray and bless what is beautiful can help). Be careful at the first signs of a sore throat or fatigue before they get worse. If you're happy, you are less likely to get sick!

The diet to improve the system by which the body defends itself from viruses, parasites and bacteria essentially consists of 4 essential nutrients: vitamins (E and C), minerals (Zinc, Copper, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium and Selenium), Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, and proteins of good quality. Besides the right amount of calories and regular exercise.

Vitamins are important for the functioning of our body and in particular vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin C and vitamin E play an important role in helping the immune system.

Vitamin A is essential for healthy mucous membranes. It is seen that its deficiency results in easy to get infections, especially viral, because it weakens the larger part of the immune system that is covered with mucous.

Vitamin B12 belongs to the important B complex vitamins whose deficiencies affect important districts, such as brain and immune systems. In particular, studies have shown that vitamin B12 plays a role in regulating the immune system. To have an adequate intake of this vitamin should eat foods such as liver of animals, carotenoids, milk, eggs, fruits and vegetables, yellow and dark green vegetables.

Vitamin C is certainly the best known as an antioxidant and as a defense against infections, especially colds, in fact, it is advised to prevent their own consumption and to dampen the symptoms.

Finally, vitamin E plays a strong immunostimulant action as well as antioxidant. Studies have shown how it is used to defend them from the lungs in the presence of pollutants, therefore, useful for those who live in places full of smog.

Minerals are also involved in the functioning of the immune system, especially two of them, selenium and zinc.

Selenium plays an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and helps to increase the antibody response.

Zinc is ambivalent, however, that its function may be positive or negative depending on the amount. If zinc is present in a quantity of little beyond the norm, you get an immunostimulatory effect, if it is excessively high amount in the body, this has the opposite effect.

At the end of strengthening the immune system, plants are more suitable and safe astragalus, echinacea, propolis and Eleutherococcus. Astragalus is very important in traditional Chinese medicine where its root is used to strengthen the energy of the organs in the immune system (lung and spleen). The immunostimulating properties of this plant were also studied in the West and we can say that it is useful to combat viral infections, but also that the toxic effects of chemotherapy on the immune system, because it counteracts the decrease in white blood cells.

Echinacea has traditionally been used by Native Americans to treat respiratory diseases and as a healing wounds. Is very popular in Germany. There are three varieties, Echinacea purpurea, angustifolia and that this pale, all three with immunostimulatory function, both for bacteria than for viruses also proved beneficial for the common respiratory problems, and they are also useful in a vision prior reinforcement of the immune system.

The Siberian ginseng Eleutherococcus is also called, not surprisingly in the former Soviet Union is widely used. It increases the activity of lymphocytes and thus makes more efficient immune response. Although this is a safe plant, but in rare cases, after prolonged use, can give rise to insomnia and irritability.

Finally there is propolis, a substance that is produced by bees who use it as a barrier to prevent entry into the hive to undesirables. Many studies have found a strong antiviral and antibacterial effective in stopping the proliferation of cold and flu viruses, but also on other groups of bacteria, like salmonella, also has a strong anti-inflammatory action. Although this is a safe substance that is prescribed for children as well as free of side effects, although you may be allergic.

Other plants on the active side of the immune system of autoimmune diseases or allergies are the boswellia serrata, the nettle and Uncaria. Boswellia is a resin that is harvested from the tree of incense, is an important part of Ayurvedic medicine and is widely used in India. It has substances that block the inflammatory response of allergies such as asthma and chronic inflammation. It also does not have any side effects, such as the classic anti-inflammatory that can cause gastritis or ulcers in the worst cases. Some studies have established the effectiveness even for rheumatoid arthritis.

The stinging nettle is a plant always present in the medical traditions from around the world as a depurative, diuretic and anti-inflammatory. Its leaves are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory. In addition, some studies have extolled the efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis. The Cat's Claw grows in the Amazon jungle and of medicine in Peru where it was used as an anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic. Today, many studies have confirmed the ability of the cortex have a double effect, that is to be anti-inflammatory and immunostimulant that.

Finally, also as a spice turmeric may be helpful. The root of this plant, which serves to prepare the curry, has anti-inflammatory and analgesic, in fact studies have shown the usefulness in inflammatory diseases such as arthritis or where there are problems with blood flow. It 'not recommended in people with peptic ulcers and bleeding tendencies.

Avoid foods high in pesticides, foods, or "poor", that is highly processed and refined and thus deprived of their important set of minerals and vitamins that are important for the balance of the immune system.

The human body was not designed to address non-naturally occurring.

Eat fresh, whole foods like fruits and vegetables and organic fruit, salt-free diet and avoid dairy products and processed meat 's farm at all costs.

In particular we refer to concepts such as "raw, lively and colorful."

A tasty way to stimulate the immune system is to take 3 carrots, an apple, an orange and half a beet and put them in a centrifuge, and then enjoy this drink with breakfast every day. The addition of mint to your warm bath helps stimulate the antibodies and kill all the bacteria that have accumulated.

Do not underestimate the porprieta of grapefruit seed extract.

If you are a smoker, now we know that this severely suppress the immune system, so the best remedy for this is to stop this habit, because it offers no benefit whatsoever to health.

The tendency to see extra pounds in a more effective shield against infectious agents is wrong. Today with a much more sedentary life, with better living conditions is valid the idea that a penalty be more work to preserve the efficiency of the organism and the immune system. Overweight and obesity interfere with the balance of the immune system because it makes the cells less responsive. Even repeated and continuous high-calorie meals cause a surplus of fat and cholesterol "clog" the lymphatics by preventing the "patrol" of lymphocytes. The fats are increasingly demonized because of the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases to which they are connected, it is salutary to limit the consumption of cholesterol and triglycerides, while it is useful to increase the consumption of polyunsaturated fats, commonly known as Omega6 and omega 3, which bear all cells of the body and are therefore essential for the functioning and the immune system. These fats are found in cod liver oil in oily fish, nuts in shell.

7:20 AM

maestr0

Fundamentals of Immunology

Immunology deals with the immune system and how it acts in the presence of infection, it affects the physiological aspect of the immune system both during the illness that health situation and the failure of the system itself, as in the case of autoimmune diseases or immune deficiencies. Immunology actually takes moves to the 700 with the English doctor Edward Jenner in the West who created the first vaccine to prevent smallpox.

For some time, in China, Africa and in England, it was common practice to inoculate smallpox scabs; of this trend lies the insight of Dr.. Jenner shows that smallpox had less impact in the countryside where they recorded the cowpox. Hence arose his intuition to inoculation scabs of smallpox vaccine derived from this discovery and also the name that we now use this tool for prophylaxis.

Although this discovery was of paramount importance, it was ignored by the medical research that did not bother to understand the working mechanism of the vaccine. A century later, however, the research focused on this discovery and so sanctioned the establishment of immunology as a science. 800 In the eighties a number of scientists, often in opposition to each other, made attempts to understand what occurs during an infectious disease.

Louis Pasteur, French, and Robert Koch, German, discovered the existence of microbes and how they are linked to the onset of disease, this discovery comes the need of science to isolate the different strains of microorganisms to isolate those hazardous man. It was Pasteur who gave scientific foundation to the discoveries of Jenner, in fact, he identified the causative agent of chicken cholera, then showed how the injection of a less aggressive strain protected chickens from a subsequent infection with a more virulent strain. With this discovery opens the way for the vaccination.

A few years after this important discovery, the Russian Ilia Metchnikoff "discovered" macrophages, special white blood cells that can engulf bacteria and other foreign body. These scientists were just the prodromal phase of a season of discoveries that began in the late eighties 800 with Emile Roux, a collaborator of Pasteur, who was able to identify in the serum of people affected by diphtheria toxins responsible for the same .

This discovery allowed him to E. von Behting to discover antibodies, ie the particular substances in the blood of animals sick with diphtheria and tetanus, which could have an action on the disease until it locks in case they were administered at the initial stage of the disease.

From now until the fifties of the twentieth century is synonymous with the immunology and serology for this reason is the domain of chemistry, so far from medicine. We study the reaction between the antigen and antibody as the basis of the immune response, that is, what could explain that for each antigen produces a specific antibody.

It will make a step forward in this direction in 1955 Niels Kaj Jerne, thanks to the Dane, who proposed a Copernican reversal, or shift attention instead sull anticorpo sull antigene and formulated the hypothesis that there were, apart from disease, antibodies which were then selected by the antigen.

The next step you took a few years later through the study of Australian Frank Macfarlane Burnet, which shifted attention to the cells that produce antibodies. He arrives to discover how the immune system is equipped with a memory: When an antigen binds to the receptor of a cell producing antibodies (each is "specialized" in one type) that divides and produces other cells with receptors for many other antigens the same type. From this moment you have the overview of the immune system from which you will develop subsequent discoveries.

Jerne discovered the same as there is only a relationship between antibody and antigen, but also one of antibodies, ie antibodies may be one of them also of antigens.

More subtly Jerne compared the immune system to the nervous system because it too is a network, has memory and its cells receive excitatory or inhibitory signals. This similarity finds its counterpart in the real exchange that occurs between these two systems with substances that the two have in common and that is the precondition for the emergence of psychoneuroimmunology, which studies precisely the relationship between the central nervous system and the immune system.

And experience of all experience an increase in infections when you live a stressful period when you are afflicted or when you live a very quiet period.

6:22 AM

maestr0

For infections, especially those involved in the mucosal (colds, bronchitis, sinus infections, flu), is a "classical" orthodox medical treatment in my experience no permanent solution.

The antibiotics do not work against viruses, should now have spread. And yet they are ordered by preference.

This is where the micro-biological therapy:

It stimulates the body's immune system and stabilizes as the gut microflora after antibiotic therapy. A physiological microflora is the basis of an intact immune system.

At the micro-biological therapy (also symbiosis is called), the patient preparations in live or killed micro-organisms themselves. In general, these micro-components of the natural intestinal flora: non-pathogenic E. coli strains, Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria are the most frequently used bacteria.

So far - so good.

Hundreds of my colleagues practicing intestinal rehabilitation , symbiosis, etc. every day.

The crucial question is:

Why do not they all doctors?

Why is not this the standard of care?

Why is always on the microbes (bacteria and viruses) are taken with any weapon (antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, etc.), rather than strengthening the system, the natural weapon has to deal with this ...

Your immune system!

I do not want to go back a the pharmaceutical lobby and it is not against the ignorance in some practices.

I supply you with the facts rather immune to the strengthening - of:

Strengthening of the intestinal immune system

Bacteria, viruses and fungi (which we always take anyway), connect with the largest factory of antibodies in human organism Contact: The gastro-intestinal tract.

The gastrointestinal tract contains antibody-producing cells working better than the spleen and all lymph nodes in the body.

The so-called "dendritic cells" of the immune system mukosaassoziierten detect the bacteria in the gut of the "toll-like receptors.

This toll-like receptors are called pattern recognition receptors. With the help of these receptors is different between our innate immune system "self" and "non-self".

Shall decide the gut, whether it is a pathogen or one's own (and important) intestinal flora is.

The dendritic cells produce the enzyme nitric oxide synthase. This enzyme causes the plasma cells, rather than make other immunoglobulin isotypes immunoglobulin A (IgA).

These activated plasma cells migrate through the lymphatic system is now in the lymph nodes and "mature" out there. Then connect them via the bloodstream and are distributed among the various mucous membranes of the body.

There, the immunoglobulin A given to the outside and "patrolling" then as "secretory IgA" through the mucous membranes.

In practice, showed again and again, patients with chronic sinusitis or bronchitis, speak particularly well to a gut renovation.

In a placebo controlled double blind study for treatment of chronic recurrent bronchitis, the patients three times daily 30 drops a Symbioflor one. The drug Symbioflor 1 contains cells and autolysate of Enterococcus faecalis.

The capture of Symbioflor 1 led to less, compared to placebo relapsed.

Perhaps you now understand better why many should be treated through the intestines ...

My colleagues in the therapy center in Preetz know my "standard answer" to the popular question:

"Have you not even a ball against my cold? Can you give me something fast? "

My answer: "No chocolate, no candy ..."

and if there are other colleagues (who know the answer already) add to this then the chorus:

"... No white flour, no pork , no coffee ... "

And all "non-affected" burst out laughing.

And it is actually quite simple.

Oh yes, I had already mentioned, the fasting and fasting is an excellent way to strengthen the intestinal immune system?

By the way, should on the immune system darmassozierte also (almost) any form of allergy treatment ... but that's another topic.

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