What does the immune system do?

The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect our bodies from infections and diseases. It’s our body’s defense system against harmful invaders like bacteria, viruses, parasites, and even cancer cells. In this blog, we’ll explore what the immune system does and how it works to keep us healthy.

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1. Recognizes and targets harmful invaders The immune system is able to recognize and target harmful invaders by identifying specific molecules on their surface, called antigens. Once identified, the immune system activates specialized cells, such as T cells and B cells, to attack and destroy the invading pathogens.
2. Produces antibodies When the immune system detects an invading pathogen, it produces proteins called antibodies that specifically target and neutralize the pathogen. Antibodies are produced by B cells and help to prevent the spread of infection throughout the body.
3. Creates memory cells After an infection has been fought off, the immune system creates memory cells that remember the specific pathogen and how to fight it. This means that if the same pathogen enters the body again, the immune system can quickly recognize and attack it, preventing the person from getting sick again.
4. Eliminates abnormal cells The immune system also plays a crucial role in detecting and eliminating abnormal cells in the body, such as cancer cells. Specialized cells called natural killer cells can recognize and destroy abnormal cells before they have a chance to multiply and form tumors.
5. Balances immune responses Finally, the immune system must strike a delicate balance between attacking harmful invaders and not attacking the body’s own cells. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the body, leading to chronic inflammation and damage. The immune system also regulates inflammation in the body, which is important for fighting infections but can be harmful if it’s too intense or prolonged.

In conclusion, the immune system is a vital part of our overall health and well-being. It plays a crucial role in protecting us from infections and diseases, eliminating abnormal cells, and regulating inflammation. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, getting enough sleep, and practicing good hygiene habits, we can help support our immune system and keep it functioning at its best.

Also Read: How do the disease-causing germs invade my body?