What Can One Do to Reduce the Chances of Getting Cancer (5)

Adaptive immune system

The adaptive immune comprises primarily two types of white blood cells, T lymphocytes (T cells) and B lymphocytes (B cells).  Lymphocytes are found mostly in lymph nodes; lymph nodes are located under the arms, in the neck, groin, and abdomen.  The spleen and thymus are also important lymphoid organs.  Both T cells and B cells are produced in the bone marrow; however, T cells mature in the thymus (thus also called Thymus cells), but B cells mature in the bone marrow (thus, also called bone marrow derived cells).  The adaptive (acquired) immune system is specific to individual pathogens. 

Some T cells recognize the invader and send cytokines to the immune system to counter the invaders.  Some T cells recognize the invader and kill the infected cells directly.  Yet some T cells assist B cells to make antibodies. 

B cells express B cell receptors (BCRs) on the surface to help bind to specific antigens and initiate specific antibody response.  The Y shaped antibodies are made by B cells with the assistance of T cells.  Antibodies match and stick to antigens on the surface of the invader as special labels for the immune system to attack. 

The adaptive immune system remembers the antigen and is able to produce a quick antibody response if the same pathogen invades again.

If a human body is a nation, the adaptive immune system is similar to more flexible specific/special defense forces, such as FBI, CIA, local police, or national guards, which is more specific, more flexible, and more task-oriented.  As the name may imply, adaptive immune system is adjustable to its environment and is antigen-specific.  Its response is tailored to specific foreign invaders (pathogens or pathogen infected cells).  The amazing power of adaptive immune system is that the specific response to a specific pathogen is maintained in the body for a very long time so that when the body is attacked by the same pathogen again, the adaptive immune system will fight against it quickly.

In cancer patients, sometimes the body’s natural defense system is not functioning satisfactorily.  Therefore, when cancer cells are present, they are not detected or destroyed, but allowed to grow without much resistance.  This is why restoration of the body’s self-defense (immune system) is very important for cancer patients.  

© 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.