Let's get to know more about our wonderful immune system. The immune system is a universe of its own that consists of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend our bodies against a variety of external harmful invaders including viruses, bacteria, fungi, other pathogens, and cancerous cells.

Our immune system plays a crucial and central role in maintaining our overall health and preventing the development of diseases.

But what exactly does our immune systems consist of?

White Blood Cells

Also known as leukocytes, are the primary cells of the immune system. The white blood cells are produced in the bone marrow and they are the superheroes of your body, responsible for identifying, recognizing , and destroying the harmful pathogens and abnormal cells that threaten our health. There are various types of white blood cells, including:

Lymphoid Organs

Our liver is also an important site for the development of immune responses!

Lymphatic System

Proteins

Let’s find out more about some of the most fascinating components of our immune system!

Spleen: The spleen is the largest lymphoid organ in your body. It filters the blood and removes old or damaged red blood cells (erythrocytes) and foreign invaders such as viruses and bacteria. In the spleen, our T and B cells are activated to elicit immune responses that will help them fight off and eliminate pathogens!

Liver: The liver is also an organ vital for immune responses, and houses its own, local macrophage-like immune PROcells, the Kupffer cells. Our liver can clear pathogens and produce complement proteins. Furthermore, it enables the trafficking of immune cells and, very importantly, the activation of our T cells.

Antibodies and Antigens

   

Macrophages and Killer T Cells

   

All the components of your immune system work in unison and communicate with each other all the time to effectively protect you from external and internal dangers, while at the same time remaining tolerant to your own cells and tissues. However, even your immune cells can go wrong.

Sometimes, they might wrongly recognize your own cells and tissues as enemies and attack them, leading to autoimmune conditions. Other times, they might not be able to effectively target and kill infected or cancerous cells.

To this end, scientists, researchers, clinicians, and medical professionals are tirelessly working together to create novel, effective and highly targeted immune therapies that will help us circumvent these obstacles and support your immune system in its constant fight against the many threats to your health.

Vivian is an Immunology scientist and researcher, currently based in the UK. She has a wide experience in Autoimmunity, Cardiovascular Immunology and Cancer Immunology. Vivian is passionate about communicating science through science writing.