B cells

The main function of B cells is to produce antibodies. Antibodies are complex molecules produced by the immune system in response to antigens. As mentioned previously, antigens are foreign proteins or glycoproteins (a sugar linked to a protein) that trigger the immune response. Every living cell produces several different proteins, each unique to its own cell type and species. The antibody produced against the antigen is entirely specific to that antigen. (more…)

Scleroderma is a disease of unknown cause characterized by abnormally increased collagen deposition in the skin. The course is usually slowly progressive and chronically disabling, but it can be rapidly progressive and fatal because of involvement of internal organs. It commonly begins in the third or fourth decade of life, but children are occasionally affected. The prevalence of the disease is one case per 100,000 in the population. Women are affected twice as often as men. There is no racial predisposition. (more…)

Contact of pathogens with the innate immune system will most frequently occur at epithelia, and the biology of the airway epithelium is of considerable importance in asthma. Airway epithelia express a range of innate immune receptors, allowing them to function as a line of first response to pathogens: their ability to detect and respond to pathogens must clearly be substantial, given that they form the main target for most respiratory viruses.

There are also potentially close relationships between epithelial cells and other cells of the innate immune system such as DCs and macrophages.

Cooperative networks that regulate airway inflammation are discussed in more detail below. Interestingly, defective responses to respiratory viruses are evident in epithelial cells from asthmatics, which may be relevant in the pathology of asthma exacerbations, and phenotypic differences in epithelia between asthmatics and normal subjects have been demonstrated. (more…)

Innate immunity depends on both resident and recruited leukocytes. The macrophage without doubt plays an import- ant role in the detection of pulmonary infections. Low inocula of pneumococci are cleared by macrophages. Alveolar macrophages also have an important role in the initiation of responses to inhaled lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and their function (more…)

While our primary concern is the impact that the innate immune system has on allergic disease, it is essential to recognize that allergic disease also impacts on the function- ing of the innate immune system. In part this is through treatment, since immunosuppressive therapies inevitably contribute to impairment of immunity at the levels of the innate and adaptive systems. (more…)

Allergies refers to an exaggerated reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. These foreign substances are usually harmless. But, in a person whose body is prone to allergies, these foreign substances are recognized by the body and one part of the immune system is turned on. Allergy-producing substances are called as ‘allergens’. Examples include pollens, dust mite, molds, danders, and certain foods. (more…)

About the most loved pet in the world is a cat. They are great pets and very many households have one or more. The drawback is that cat allergies are one of the most widespread forms of allergies. Statistics have shown this, and cat allergies are something we could all do without.

Dander, produced by the cat, causes the allergies. Dander is shed skin that comes off cats, usually as small flakes. (more…)

The Hayband and Qu-Chi Band are a natural alternative to help relieve the symptoms of hay fever. There are many remedies on the market including tablets and nasal sprays however the hayband is completely natural and is suitable for children.

The Hayband and Qu-Chi Band work by placing pressure on the Qu-Chi point, a point in the crux of the arm which is used in Acupressure. (more…)

If allergies are making your life miserable then you need to work with a professional to determine the cause of your symptoms and to work with you to treat them. Allergies testing must be carried out by a specialist doctor to ensure you receive the treatment that is right for you and not putting your health at risk.

Allergists or immunologists are trained to understand the immune system and they are skilled in (more…)

The Case For a Healthy Immune System

The immune system is made up of a complex network of cells and organs that protect the body from infection. Its main function is to keep harmful materials such as certain bacteria, viruses, and fungi, out of the body, and to destroy any infectious items that do invade the body. (more…)