Immune Response: How the Body Fights Infections and Abnormal Cells

Immune response

Specific defenses that attack the disease-causing agent

The immune response is a physiological process in which the body’s immune system recognizes and fights against foreign invaders such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. The immune system can also detect and destroy abnormal cells in the body, such as those that may cause cancer.

The immune response begins with the recognition of a foreign substance, called an antigen, by specialized cells called antigen-presenting cells (APCs). These cells present the antigen to other immune cells, called lymphocytes, which then mount an immune response.

There are two types of lymphocytes involved in the immune response: T cells and B cells. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity and directly target infected or abnormal cells. B cells produce antibodies, which are proteins that bind to antigens and neutralize them.

Once an antigen is recognized, a series of events takes place that results in the activation of specific immune cells, including the production of cytokines and chemokines. These signaling molecules help recruit other immune cells to the site of infection or abnormal cell growth.

The immune response is complex and involves multiple pathways and types of cells working together to protect the body from foreign invaders. However, sometimes the immune system can overreact to harmless substances, leading to allergies or autoimmune diseases.

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