The Human Immune System 101

What is the Human Immune System?

The immune system has many
different parts for it to work properly in
keeping your body healthy. A few parts of
the immune system include the spleen,
your gut, lymph nodes, and bone marrow.
Your immune system supports your body
in fighting against pathogens and infec-
tions that have invaded the body.
The immune system fights against bacte-
ria, viruses, infectious diseases, and para-
sites to name a few. Different aspects of
the human immune system are found
throughout the body, working together to
prevent harmful damage to the body and
threats to an individual’s overall health.
The immune system is in charge of identifying threats within the body and removing
foreign bodies, neutralizing the threat that has found its way into the body, and destroying
dead or mutated cells within the body, such as cancerous cells. There are multiple stages, and
various responses from the immune system initiated within the body.

How Does the Immune System Work?

The human immune system is the first system to accurately identify threats within the
body and begin combating the threat. A healthy immune system knows the difference be-
tween “non-self” and “self” substances and knows not to attack “self” substances. This allows
the immune system to identify what to attack, kill, and discard.
Your immune system will learn what is a threat to the body and what is not. The im-
mune system can actively learn new ways to combat viruses and bacteria for future use when
infected again.
 Building immunity with proper nutrition
I have heard many people are taking vitamin supplements to
boost their immune system. They believe they are preventing con-
tracting COVID-19 or will not suffer severe complications if they get it.
They are not informed that there is much more to it than gulping down
supplements.
First, it is very important to ingest nutritious foods to get the
needed vitamins. Eating at least 2-3 cups of vegetables each day. No,
that doesn’t mean two or three times each week; it clearly means each
day. It is last important to eat at least 1 1/2
cups of fruit each day (2 for men). Yes,
again, that means each day.
We just don’t do it. Many American cannot afford that much
per day, even with EBT cards to supplement their incomes. So,
what can we do? Do we fill the void with vitamin supplements?
Yes, that is an alternative that helps. We also need to follow the
United States Department of Agriculture’s My Plate to get the rest
of the nutrients we need. Nutrients are divided into six categories:
water, protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. You need to be certain to get
enough water to avoid dehydration. No, that does not mean coffee or tea water; it means
plain water.
Read on as the following pages will help you understand that there are many other factors in-
volving building your system’s immunity.
 Antibodies 101
What are Antibodies?
Antibodies are proteins produced by cells within
the body to fight against pathogens introduced to the
body. Antibodies are commonly used in research to
identify, visualize, and locate intracellular and extracel-
lular proteins. Antibodies are made up of two heavy
chains and two light chains. The chains have a variable
region, referred to as V, that binds to specific epitopes
(the part of an antigen molecule to which an antibody
attaches itself). Antigens are substances that your im-
mune system needs to fight by producing antibodies.
Antibodies counteract antigens by combining with
them). The second region is the constant region re-
ferred to as C, which interacts with white blood cells and other molecules within the immune
system.

What Types of Antibodies are There?

Commercial antibodies commonly come in two different types, Polyclonal or Monoclo-
nal. Polyclonal antibodies are simple to create within a lab. Scientists inject an animal with
certain human epitopes of interest, (also called antigenic determinant) which collect the ani-
mal’s blood over several weeks, and fractionate (divide) it to separate the antibody from oth-
er blood components. The resulting fractioned antibody then contains all the animal’s circu-
lating antibodies that include specific antibodies for your epitope of interest.
Monoclonal antibodies are created similarly but more labor-intensive. After injecting
the animal with the scientist’s epitope of interest, the scientist removes the blood to sepa-
rate the white blood cells from the rest of the blood. The white blood cells are what produce
the antibodies.
Then, the white blood cells are fused with myeloma cell lines that form hybridomas.
Hybridoma technology is a method for producing large numbers of identical antibodies (also
called monoclonal antibodies). This step allows for scientists to culture antibody-producing
cells specific for the epitope of interest indefinitely. Now, scientists can harvest the best cul-
ture to produce the most effective antibodies.
What are Antibodies Used for?
Antibodies are used for targeting proteins that are produced by various pathogens.
Scientists use antibodies to identify, purify, and target several proteins for drug development
and clinical research within the lab. Protein Identification is the most common use of anti-
bodies in biology research labs.
Medical pathologists use antibodies to identify proteins that are associated with dis-
ease states. Protein Purification is another standard method used. Antibodies are used to
capture single proteins from the molecular soup called cell lysate.
How Do Antibodies Stop Infection?
Plasma cells release large amounts of antibodies within the body to circulate and iso-
late various pathogens leading to infection. This is important because viruses that enter the
body replicate within the body’s cells. When antibodies attack the virus, it eliminates the risk
of becoming sick. These antibodies also signal white blood cells to the threat and allow the
white blood cells to attack the virus. Once the white blood cells attack pathogens, it is highly
likely that the pathogen will be destroyed as long as the body knows how to combat these
foreign agents.

With Antibodies, Will We Always be Protected?

Even though your body has antibodies flowing through your blood, some certain virus-
es and bacteria have not been exposed to humans before. This means that your body may
not know how to attack the threatening pathogens or even notice that they are a threat.
This is why it was difficult to create proper vaccines to fight COVID-19.
Your immune system will catch up eventually; however, there is the risk of becoming
sick even with a properly-functioning immune system. This is where lab-created antibodies
can be effectively introduced into the body to fight unknown viruses. With this, the immune
system can become adaptive to the environment.

Why is it Important to Have an Adaptive Immune System?

An adaptive immune system is essential within the body because it allows your im-
mune system to keep up with various viruses and bacteria introduced to the body. Your body
will learn how to defend and fight against different viruses and bacteria. In the event you are
exposed later on to a certain virus or bacteria, your body will have the ability to begin
fighting the illness and make your immune system even stronger than before.
 6 Things You Probably Don’t
Know About Your Immunity
Your immune system is an in-
credibly important part of the body. It
keeps you healthy and fighting infec-
tion to ensure you are feeling well
and healthy as much as possible. The
average person does not know many
things about their immune system.
Here are six things that you most like-
ly do not know about your immunity.

1. Stress Harms Immunity

Stress, which includes worry, depression, and anxiety weaken immunity. As your body
struggles to deal with the invasion, this leaves you even more vulnerable to illness and infec-
tion. A personal note from the publisher: since you know that stress harms immunity, think of
others and try to be kind and considerate, especially to seniors who are more vulnerable to
illnesses.

2. Adapts to Change
Your immune system is constantly working in the background to keep you and your
body healthy and running as it should. For most people, your immune system can adapt to
changes such as fighting new bacteria, viruses, and parasites on a daily basis.
The constant exposure to new germs, viruses, and bacteria allows for your immune sys-
tem to learn how to build antibodies and combat these foreign bodies. In rare cases, those
with chronic immune conditions have a defective immune system that cannot learn how to
combat new threats to the body, which leaves these individuals prone to infection.
3. The Gut is Part of the Immune System
According to WebMD, most people are not aware that the gut is part of the immune
system, but the gastrointestinal tract is the largest part of your immune system. Your gut is
constantly working to regulate what is going on within the body. Your gut works to differen-
tiate good bacteria from bad, and it is key for overall immune health.
Taking care of your gut will allow you to take care of your immune health's biggest
part. Gut checking starts when in utero (the uterus) and should continue throughout your
life. This is an easy way to assist your immune health and promote overall body health.
4. You Can Live without Your Spleen
First off, according to the Huffington Post, “the spleen is one of the largest lymphatic
organs within the body, and it works to clean your blood of viruses, bacteria, and other
threatening foreign bodies that your body may be fighting. The spleen is located behind the
stomach and under the diaphragm. This multi-purpose organ filters red blood cells while
also storing white blood cells that produce antibodies.”
When fighting an infection, your spleen grows temporarily; however, it must be re-
moved if it ruptures. You can live without your spleen and still be healthy.

5. Thymus Gland
The Huffington Post reports that the Thymus Gland is located between your lungs
and behind your sternum. This gland produces white blood cells called T-lymphocytes or T-
cells. The Thymus is at its prime during your youth. Immature T-cells are sent to the Thymus
to mature and become an essential part of your immune system. These cells become adap-
tive to bacteria and viruses; these cells are the defenders against harmful bacteria and vi-
ruses. Once an individual reaches puberty, the Thymus begins to shrink and slowly becomes
fatty tissue deposits.
6. Antibodies are Your Army
The Mayo Clinic says, when your body identifies germs, bacteria, and viruses, it triggers
an immune response. This trigger creates antibodies that remember the foreign bodies and
know how to defend against them. The antibodies remember the threats to ensure they do
not make repeated attacks against the body. Even though you have a little army within your
body, it is still important to provide those little guys with a helping hand.
Washing your hands frequently and getting certain vaccinations can greatly increase
the power of your immune system. Lifestyle changes can also aid in increasing the effective-
ness of your immune system as well. Getting adequate sleep, exercising regularly, and eating
healthy can leave you feeling healthier and keeping your immune system working at peak
performance.

Antibodies don’t always continue to fight certain infections on a long-term basis. In

other words, they can be temporary. That’s why vaccines are often continuously needed.
 How Fatigue Can Impact Your
Immune System Health
If you feel run down or stressed, it
can impact your immune system more
than you realize. Stress, fatigue, and be-
ing overwhelmed are facts of life. It will
happen to all of us eventually; however,
when you are constantly under these
conditions, it can take a toll on not only
your immune health but also your overall
health. Modifying or eliminating some of
the situations within your life is essential
to improving your immune health.

Impacts of Stress on the Body

During times of stress the body produces a hormone called cortisol. When cortisol is
released for short periods of time, immunity is boosted by the limiting of inflammation within
the body. However, over time, the body can become accustomed to having too much cortisol
in the blood, allowing the body to have more inflammation.
Stress causes your white blood cell count to decrease, also leaving you vulnerable to
possible illness and infection. Your white blood cells are needed to fight infection and destroy
any harmful pathogens that have made their way into the body. It can also cause one to de-
velop cold sores and be subject to the common cold.
High-stress levels also cause depression and anxiety that can lead to higher inflamma-
tion levels within the body. High levels of inflammation show an overworked, overwhelmed,
and over-tired individual , which all leads to an immune system that cannot adequately pro-
tect you from foreign agents that have invaded the body.
Conditions that Cause Stress
Suppose you do not prevent high-stress levels as much as possible. In that case,
chronic inflammation can lead to the development or progression of various diseases of the
immune system, including arthritis, fibro-myalgia, lupus, psoriasis, and irritable bowel syn-
drome. Long-term stress can develop other diseases such as cardiovascular issues, including
heart disease and gastric ulcers. You can also be at increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cancers,
and a mental decline.
Better Manage Your Stress
You must do your best to reduce and combat stress as much as possible. You can take
steps to reduce short-and long-term stress including meditation, yoga, separating yourself
from electronics, taking walks, and allowing yourself to unwind. It would help if you were
open to actively managing your stress and ensuring that you are physically and mentally
healthy.
Once you are physically and mentally healthy, your immune system will be able to
work the way it is supposed to work. Positive thinking, relaxation exercises, and behavior
modification, such as changing how we behave that triggers stress reactions, are other ways
to manage daily stress.

How to Know if Your Immune System is Low

Recurring or chronic infections and mild colds are all signs of a low immune system.
Once suffering from a weakened immune system, your body becomes a repetitive cycle to
infection. Your immune system can be damaged with consistent infection.
Your body will tell you if your immune system is low by a few signs:
• Catching colds easily— Getting more than two colds a year
• Suffering from chronic infection
• Getting frequent cold sores
• Swollen or sore lymph glands

Stress reduction and supporting your immune system through your diet, exercise, and
staying hydrated is the main key to reducing your susceptibility to colds, the flu, or more
severe diseases that the body will not be able to fight off.
Immunity Types
General Types of Immunity
Immunity to a disease is
achieved through the presence
of antibodies to that disease in a
person’s system. Antibodies are pro-
teins produced by the body to neu-
tralize or destroy toxins or disease-
carrying organisms. Antibodies are
disease-specific. For example, a
measles antibody will protect a per-
son who is exposed to measles dis-
ease, but will have no effect if he or she is exposed to mumps.

Main types of Immunity: active and passive.

Active Immunity
Active immunity results when exposure to a disease organism triggers the immune
system to produce antibodies to that disease. Exposure to the disease organism can occur
through infection with the actual disease (resulting in natural immunity), or introduction of a
killed or weakened form of the disease organism through vaccination (vaccine-induced im-
munity). Either way, if an immune person comes into contact with that disease in the future,
their immune system will recognize it and immediately produce the antibodies needed to
fight it.

Active immunity is long-lasting, and sometimes life-long.

Passive Immunity
Passive immunity is provided when a person is given antibodies to a disease rather
than producing them through his or her own immune system.

A newborn baby acquires passive immunity from its mother through the placenta. A
person can also get passive immunity through antibody-containing blood products such
as immune globulin, which may be given when immediate protection from a specific disease
is needed. This is the major advantage to passive immunity; protection is immediate, where-
as active immunity takes time (usually several weeks) to develop.

However, passive immunity lasts only for a few weeks or months. Only active immunity
is long-lasting.
Specific Types of Human Immunities
Innate Immunity is a general protection
that every person is born with. The skin and
immune system are defenses against infec-
tion and disease that everyone has. Of
course, some people are born with compli-
cations to their immune systems; however,
the vast majority of the population has an
innate immunity that will be their first de-
fense line when it comes to immunity in
early life.
Adaptive Immunity is the ability to develop the immune system throughout your life when
exposed to different viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens that can threaten your
body's health. The body can learn how to defend against the pathogens and increase their
reliability as time goes on and future attacks against the body.
Passive Immunity is borrowed immunity that is provided from another source and is tempo-
rary. An excellent example of passive immunity is the antibodies that are provided to babies
through their mother’s breastmilk. These antibodies provide the baby with a temporary im-
munity to viruses and diseases that the mother has been exposed to earlier in life.
Immune System via Self-Improvement
There are a few ways in which you can improve your personal immune system. Self-
care such as getting adequate sleep each night, exercising daily, and eating healthy foods will
strengthen your immune system to be better equipped to fight against foreign agents. These
few easy steps will allow you to provide your body’s first line of defense when it comes to
your health and your immune system's health.
Reducing stress is another factor for not only your immune system but for your overall
health as well. Reducing stress will allow you to be in a better state of mind and allow you to
fight infection much easier.
Drinking water regularly and with adequate amounts will also significantly improve
your immune system. Your cells are made up of water, among other components, and the
better hydrated they are, the better your cells will perform and work as they should.
 10 Health Habits to
Boost Your Immune System

In a pandemic that mostly adversely affects people

with immunity problems, it is always best to take some
measure to boost your immune system, mental, and physi-
cal health in general. You will need the regular activities
such as exercise, nutrition, and general self-care such as
good hygiene, restful sleep, plenty of water, vitamin sup-
plements, and monitoring your health. Here are some use-
ful ways of boosting your immune system and preventing
illness:
1. Make nutrition a priority.
Nutrition should always be a priority. Eating healthy
without panic-buying during a pandemic is possible. You
only need to focus on food that you normally eat espe-
cially if you are already eating well. If you are not, then
you can start doing so and avoid overstocking on high
carb food. Making nutrition a priority during a pandem-
ic means making sure everyone in the house eats a bal-
anced diet.
2. Buy nutrient-rich foods.
Nutrient-rich foods such as beans or lentils, whole wheat foods, and foods high in fiber
should be on your grocery list. The best thing about such foods is that they can be pre-
pared in various ways and they can be mixed with other foods. You not only enjoy your
meal, but you get the complete nutritional benefits as well.
3. Eat more fruits and vegetables.
Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of high-nutrient foods that will keep you
healthy during a pandemic. There are many concerns that may arise when it comes to
best ways of consuming your fruits and vegetables, such as safe ways of washing and pre-
paring them. Nonetheless, this is not something that you need to worry too much about.
Experts say that there is no need to panic. Continue washing your fruits and vegetables
the same way you always do. There is no need for using sanitizers to wash your fruits and
vegetables like most people assume.
4. Stay Hydrated
Drinking lots of water will keep your body hydrated and will drain any accumulation of
bacteria or viruses in your mouth or throat. Avoid drinking sugared or soda drinks - the
sugar will only contribute in dehydrating your body.

5. Maintain good hygiene

Washing your hands thoroughly or staying clean is a great way to help ensure good
health. You are advised to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap or using an
alcohol-based sanitizer. Staying clean also involves focusing on keeping your house clean
and getting rid of clutter. Make sure you emphasize cleanliness to your kids and help
them clean up. Let them tidy up their rooms and arrange their toys every night before go-
ing to bed.
6. Avoid physical contact or touching your face
Health professionals advise that you should avoid touching your face during an infection
outbreak. This is because touching your face can lead to major infections or the spread
of viruses and bacteria which can affect your immune system. Minimize close contact
with others as well to prevent risks of contamination.

7. Home workouts.
Exercising from home is also a great way of staying healthy during an outbreak. When
your physical body is fit, the mind is also fit, and this plays a huge role in your ability to
stay healthy even during the most menacing outbreaks. Remember to stay hydrated
throughout your exercise routine. You might enjoy working out with an online video. Sen-
iors may enjoy Silver Sneakers online. When the pandemic is over, they may enjoy in-
person exercising with others.
8. Get quality sleep
Amid the constant negative news around, people tend to stay awake, worrying or watch-
ing the development of the pandemic. Remember that sleep is essential to help the body
restore and regenerate itself. So try to sleep at a decent time with at least seven hours of
quality sleep. You should wake up feeling rested and eager to face the challenging day.
9. Natural supplements
Natural supplements have proved time and time again to be effective in boosting the im-
mune system. Natural supplements like ginger, essential oils, lavender, coriander and
more have proven healing and immunity boosting properties. Yes, vitamins can also help
to supplement the body’s daily vitamins and minerals intake and prevent you from easily
catching infection and falling ill. However, natural is better.
10. Keep track of your health
Another way to stay on top of your immunity is by tracking your vital health signs. Follow-
ing simple things like body temperature, blood pressure and glucose levels can help you
stay on top of the situation and seek care on time instead of waiting until you have been
affected by an infection.
 Essential Nutrition: Be Sure to
Get Enough Vitamin D
It has recently been revealed that Vita-
min D deficiency has caused greater risks for
people to develop COVID-19. From UChicago
News, “Vitamin D is important to the function
of the immune system and vitamin D supple-
ments have previously been shown to lower
the risk of viral respiratory tract infections,”
said David Meltzer, Chief of Hospital Medicine
at UChicago Medicine and lead author of the
study. “Our statistical analysis suggests this
may be true for the COVID-19 infection.”

You probably also know that vitamin D is important for strong bones, but new research
shows that it packs many additional health benefits as well. Even though our bodies make
this nutrient naturally when we're exposed to sunlight, more than one billion people world-
wide suffer from a deficiency.

Basic Facts About Vitamin D

About 75% of U.S. citizens have a deficiency of Vitamin D. It has been proved that
those with this deficiency have a higher risk of getting COVID -19. Research is also being
done to note if sufficient vitamin D helps decrease in hypertension, a great risk of con-
tracting COVID-19.
You should understand how vitamin D strengthens your bones. Vitamin D is also a hor-
mone. It controls calcium absorption and builds strong bones and teeth while reducing
your risk of osteoporosis.

Protect your physical health. Studies are discovering more good stuff about the sunshine
vitamin. It can also help protect you from certain cancers, heart disease, asthma, type 1
and type 2 diabetes.
Learn about the mental health benefits. Vitamin D may also help you to think and feel
better. In older adults, it's been found effective in improving cognitive functions and allevi-
ating depression.
Recognize the risk factors for vitamin D deficiency. As we age, our kidneys have to work hard-
er to convert vitamin D into its active form, so we may need supplements. The same is
often true for mothers breastfeeding infants, people with darker skin, and those with con-
ditions like Chron's disease or milk allergies.
Top 3 sources of Vitamin D: 1) direct sunlight 2) fish, eggs, and liver 3) Vitamin D3 sup-
plements
Know your individual needs. The Institute of Medicine recommendations at least 400 IU
from birth to 12 months, 600 IU for children and adults, and 800 IU for seniors over 71.
Depending on their age and medical condition, some individuals may need 2,000 to 4,000
IUs, which is still regarded as safe.
Get tested. While bone pain and muscle weakness are possible, the symptoms of vitamin D
deficiency are often very subtle. Your doctor can give you a simple blood test to be sure.
It's called a 25 hydroxyvitamin D test. Blood levels of 20 nanograms per milliliter are usual-
ly considered healthy.

Talk with your doctor about drug interactions. Some drugs like steroids can lower vitamin D
levels while others like statins can raise them. Your doctor can help you find a safe level for
you.
 Easy Ways To Get Enough Vitamin D

Be smart about sun exposure. Our bodies are very

efficient at making vitamin D, so keep using your
sunscreen to prevent skin cancer and premature
aging. About 10 minutes a day on your arms may
be all you need, especially if you live in a sunny
climate.

Drink your milk. Only a few foods contain vitamin D

naturally but of those many are fortified with it.
Almost all milk in the United States supplies at
least 400 IU per quart, which is the main reason
why the bone disease rickets has virtually disap-
peared.

Eat more fatty fish. Fish and fish oil are among the most potent sources of vitamin D. Three
ounces of salmon will cover all your daily needs.

Add other vitamin D fortified foods to your diet. More good choices include yogurt, break-
fast cereals and orange juice. Check the labels to be sure of what you're getting.

Maintain a healthy body weight. Excess fat cells also block the absorption of vitamin D.
That's one more good reason to watch your calories and exercise regularly.

Consider supplements. Supplements come in two forms. Both D2 and D3 versions are good
for you but D3 is the better choice. It's closer to the natural vitamin D your body produc-
es, so the effects are quicker and last longer.

Vitamin D is important for your bones and overall health. Meet your requirements through
sensible sun exposure and a healthy diet or talk with your doctor if you think you need sup-
plements.