What Can One Do to Reduce the Chances of Getting Cancer (4)

Innate Immune system

The innate immune system is evolutionally older; it is the dominant but non-specific protective system in human being.  It has several components including (1) the skin and surface barriers, (2) inflammation, (3) complement system, and (4) others.

The outermost layer of our skin comprises primarily one type of protective cells, keratinocytes, which serve as a general barrier to protect us against outside invaders, including bacteria, viruses, UV light, etc.  If the outside invader breaks into the skin (e.g., through a cut), keratinocytes can also produce proinflammatory biomolecules, such as TNF-α, as an additional layer of protection.  In one of our studies, we showed that UV light elevated levels of TNF-α released from an artificial skin and one of our compounds, UTL-5d, lowered TNF-α levels, indicating that it may be a potential ant-inflammatory agent.  Generally, elevated TNF-α levels indicate that inflammation is on its way. 

Other surface barriers in the body include the lungs and the GI tract; each has its own way to protect the body from outside invaders.  One specific example is mucus, which works to trap and expel outside invaders.

Another component of the innate immune system is complement system, which assist antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear pathogens.  The complement system comprises a number of proteins in blood.  When stimulated by outside invaders, specific protein(s) will be cleaved to release cytokines and initiate further immune responses to protect the body.

 Assuming a human body is a nation, the innate immune system is similar to a more rigid pre-structured national defense system, air force, army, navy, and marine.  In addition, the innate immune system can also recruit immune cells to sites of infection, through the production of special chemicals, such as cytokines.  It can also activate the complement cascade to identify bacteria, and remove foreign substances by white blood cells.

Furthermore, the innate immune system can also activate the adaptive immune system by antigen presentation.  This is very similar to a real life situation wherein a special situation in a foreign country requires Department of Defense (Innate immune system) to organize a special force (adaptive immune system) to counter and resolve the situation.

Note: 

What are Cytokines?

Cytokines are signaling proteins for cell to cell communication and interactions.  They are important regulators of both the innate and adaptive immune systems.  Examples of cytokines include interleukins (IL), interferons, and tumor necrosis factors (TNF).  Cytokines are different from hormones in that almost all cells are capable of producing cytokines whereas hormones are secreted by discrete glands.

© Jiajiu Shaw, 2017

Disclaimer: This blog is written solely for informational purposes. It does not constitute the practice of any medical, nursing or other medical professional health care advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All contents posted are extracted from the book I wrote, "IS CANCER IN US", published recently.