Immune system: what it is good for?

Immune system:
what it is good for?

The Immune system is vital to our health. A strong Immune system protects us from infections and other illnesses. It determines our vitality, and plays a significant part in making us feel healthy and well.

Immunology is the branch of Medicine which has made the greatest advances over the past 15 to 20 years. Scientists now know that the Immune system touches all aspects of the normal functioning of our bodies, and is directly involved in the cause of many physical disorders.

It is commonly known that if the Immune system is weak, we feel tired and generally 'run-down'. We also become prone to viral, bacterial and fungal infections. If these infections are allowed to linger, a chronic state of ill-health can result. This is epitomised by conditions such as the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, known as ME and a few other names.

Illnesses such as Rheumatoid arthritis and SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) are now known to result from a malfunctioning of the Immune system, and are classified as autoimmune disorders. These illnesses reflect faults in the normal functioning of the Immune system whereupon the body's immune response is directed against previously healthy body cells. Allergies, which are becoming increasingly more common in modern society, are also manifestations of Immune system disorders.

The Immune system has one fundamental and basic function. It has the sole responsibility for keeping the body free from unwanted particles. These particles can come from a number of external sources:

Infections by viruses, bacteria and fungi
Dust from pollution which enters the body through our respiratory and digestive tracts and through our skin
Particulate matter arising from dead cells in our body, such as red blood cells

It is the function of the Immune system to remove these particles as efficiently as possible. If this system is weakened and not functioning effectively, there is a tendency for these unwanted and potentially toxic particles to accumulate. This is illustrated by considering the concept of a viral infection.

Viral particles often enter the body, but most of the time, do not give any trouble whatsoever, as the cells in the Immune system dispose of the viruses before illness sets in. When the Immune system is weakened however, the body will not be able to clear the viral particles effectively, allowing the viral invasion to spread. A viral infection then results.

Texts excerpted from:
A.Vogel Institute Course, The Immune System, module 2.