Immune System Overview
- Pink Project
- Mar 13, 2022
- 4 min read
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What is the Immune System and What Initiates the Immune Response?
Our immune system helps us maintain healthy functioning cells and vitals in our body when exposed to ill-causing substances from our environment, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi (n.a., 2020). An ill-causing substance (ex: bacteria, viruses, fungi) is usually coated with antigens, that are recognized as ‘invaders’ by our immune cells.
Major players of the Immune System (Image from NIH)
The binding of these antigens to the antigen receptors on our immune cells is what initiates the immune response to kill the ill-causing substance (n.a., 2020). Once the ill-causing substance has been killed, the immune system has the ability to ‘memorize’ or store information about what the ill-causing substance is and how to attack it. Think of it like a “Most Wanted” sign to be sent out to all of the immune cells so that if they see that pathogen again, they know to immediately attack it. This allows the immune cells to attack the pathogen much faster and more efficiently if it ever encounters it (n.a., 2020).
Innate vs. Adaptive Immune System
The immune system can be categorized into two main systems: the Innate Immune System and the Adaptive Immune System.
The Innate Immune System is non-specific. It is the body’s initial natural defence against any foreign ill-causing substance through surface barriers, for instance, the skin mucus, which prevents foreign substances from entering the body. Immune cells, like phagocytes, interferon, interleukin-1, can kill foreign substances that enter the body like it would any foreign substance, hence the non-specificity aspect (Medline Plus, 2022). This is why those who receive organ transplants must take immunosuppressant medication - since the body will see the cells of the new organ as foreign and immediately attack it, rendering the transplant a failure.
The Adaptive Immune System, however, is specific. This means that the immune system specifically attacks foreign ill-causing substances that have already encountered the body before. This is done by the B lymphocytes producing antibodies that bind to specific antigens found on surfaces of foreign substances & initiate the immune response (Medline Plus, 2022).
Development of Breast Cancer - A Cellular Perspective
Breast cancer is a type of cancer where a malignant tumour, characterized by uncontrollable growth and ability to spread, forms in cells of the breast. More specifically, within the glands that produce milk (cells within the lobules) or within the ducts that carry milk from the lobules to the nipples. Rarely will cancer develop within the stromal tissues; the fatty and fibrous connective tissues of the breast (n.a., 2018). Breast cancer is recognized by the following signs (CDC, 2021), but not limited to:
Lump in the breast or underarm,
Swelling near the breast,
Pain near the breast or nipple area,
Change in breast size or shape, and/or
Discharge from nipple(s) other than breast milk
Immunosuppressants and Their Effect on the Immune System
Immunosuppressants are medicines that may slow down or completely stop the immune response from targeting the body’s own cells that may be mistaken as a foreign invader (Giorgi, 2019). Immunosuppressants are helpful in alleviating organ or stem cell transplant rejections as the immune system would typically recognize these as foreign objects. However, these medicines could also weaken the immune system in their ability to target cancer cells (National Cancer Institute, 2015).
When taking these medications, individuals will often be educated on the importance of keeping clean environments (hand-washing, surface cleaning, air filtration, etc.), refraining from interacting with those who are ill and contacting their care team in the event that they may travel internationally or require treatment which increases the risk of infection (such as surgeries and procedures that create incisions). Those taking immunosuppressants are advised to consult with their care team regarding vaccination, typically for live virus vaccines such as Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR), Varicella (Chicken Pox), Rotavirus, and Influenza. mRNA vaccines, such as the Pfizer Coumirnaty and the Moderna Spikevax are safe to use when immunocompromised as stated by the CDC (CDC, 2022).
Those who are immunocompromised are at serious risk of experiencing severe symptoms and side effects of a COVID-19 infection. Please consult with your care team for more information regarding vaccination and COVID-19 safety.
Photo by Daniel Schludi on Unsplash
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References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, September 20). What are the symptoms of breast cancer? Retrieved February 24, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/symptoms.htm
Giorgi, A. (2019, January 9). About Immunosuppressant Drugs. Healthline. Retrieved February 24, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/immunosuppressant-drugs
Immunosuppression. National Cancer Institute. (2015, April 29). Retrieved February 24, 2022, from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/immunosuppression
InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); How does the immune system work? [Updated 2020 Apr 23]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279364/
MedlinePlus. (2022, February 18). Immune response. MedlinePlus. Retrieved February 24, 2022, from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000821.htm
What is breast cancer? Breastcancer.org. (2018, May 18). Retrieved February 24, 2022, from https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/what_is_bc#:~:text=Usually%20breast%20cancer%20either%20begins,connective%20tissues%20of%20the%20breast
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