The Immune System - Part I
I think we can learn a lot about life from B cells. In case you didn't know, B cells are an important component of our immune system, the system of our body that protects us from infection and fights infection when it happens. They are the cells responsible for producing, among other things, antibodies (also referred to as "immunoglobulins"). These antibodies can further bind to foreign substances that damage our body so they can be eliminated or destroyed. So what can we learn from B cells you ask?
Well, first, we can learn that the human body is an incredibly organized piece of machinery, not an accident. You see, there are several steps before the stem cell in the bone marrow responsible for all white blood cells can become a B cell capable of producing antibodies, which is called a plasma cell. Each of these steps ensures that plasma cells will contain antibodies that bind only to proteins and/or carbohydrates from foreign substances, referred to as antigens. However, every cell, whether from an outside substance or from our very own bodies, whether it is harmful or whether it is helpful, is capable as serving as an antigen. And if the antibodies released by the plasma form of B cells were to bind to your own antigens (from your own cells), your immune system would react against your body. In fact, this does happen from time to time and is referred to as autoimmunity. Usually autoimmune diseases affect only one or two tissue(s), such as a pancreas or the intestine or the skin or hair follicles, and can be treated with appropriate medicines so that an affected individual can survive and live productive lives. For example, I have a condition called alopecia that is an autoimmune condition affecting hair follicles, causing hair loss. However, as all of you who know me know, there is absolutely nothing wrong with me . . . I mean, I'm practically perfect.
Ahem (clearing throat) . . . ok, what's absolutely crazy is that this condition, autoimmunity, does not happen more often and to a worse degree. After all, in the selectin of functioning and non-harmful B cells, there are about 55 million or over 2/3 (though probably more) of the total amount of B cells that are killed each day in the bone marrow! That's an extremely large number in case any of you are mathematically challenged. As far as T cells (which I'll discuss next week in regards to HIV), only 1% survive their maturation process.
For anyone who has studied the science of the human body, this should not be surprising. There are literally billions of different mechanisms that are going on in your body every second. Moreover, these mechanisms must function everyday for your survival. Now I've barely touched on the development of B cells, which is only one tiny part of the functioning of the entire body. There is also the heart, the brain, the liver, the kidneys, the pancreas, the lungs (to name a few); all very complex organisms that need to survive and all which develop in a unique way with different mechanisms and chemical intermediates. How all of this develops from one cell with two sets of chromosomes is beyond my comprehension. In fact, I could give you the names of many well practiced and intelligent physicians who would say the same. In light of this, I know that to sustain such complex biochemical interactions over time requires much order and organization. Furthermore, I don't think the concept that we are a by-product of millions of years of accidental chemical reactions is very plausible, though I will admit that my knowledge is still quite limited. However, I predict that as I learn more that this point will be be further proven to be correct. So, I guess the incredible organization of the human body is the first thing about life to be learned from B cells.
Second, from B cells, we can learn about love. Love? From B cells? Jeff, I respect you, but seriously, that's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard - you should stop writing and stick to studying. Ok, I know it sounds strange, but bear with me.
As I will continue to demonstrate in my blogs, the different processes that run our bodies reflect a lot about different truths about life. As I've already mentioned, B cells play an important part in the immune system who's primary function is to serve and protect. The immune system is mainly concerned with your welfare. If it was concerned with itself, I think that it'd do a lot more to conserve one of its main consitituents. What I haven't mentioned is that the activated form of B cells, plasma cells, also make an important sacrifice. That is, after the plasma cell releases antibodies, it dies. Think about it. Now I know some of you are aware of memory cells, which are forms of B cells that stick around after an infection that "remember" the antigens of the specific invading foreign substance so that the body will be prepared next time. This is the principle behind vaccines. However, once activated, these memory cells will also become plasma cells that really serve as martyrs in order that the body receives the antibodies it needs to survive and stay healthy.
We must not automatically equate martyrdom with Love though. Certainly, suicide bombers don't give a damn about the the innocent bystanders who die because of their prideful show of how righteous they are. Love is not concerned with looking righteous, and certainly Love would never risk others lives if even it were for their own. Like B cells, Love always gives itself first, for the interest of others. Not that I exhibit this or am an expert, though I might say the rest of me is perfect (this is why I said "practically" perfect and not completely perfect, I still have some work to do).
So there you have it. B cells and life. Certainly there is a lot more to cover in regards to the immune system. However, since we are attempting to cover an entire course in immunology in two weeks, the flux of information entering my head is too much for you to read and for me to write. Feel free to respond with any questions, or objections, whether about immunity or anything else.
Well, first, we can learn that the human body is an incredibly organized piece of machinery, not an accident. You see, there are several steps before the stem cell in the bone marrow responsible for all white blood cells can become a B cell capable of producing antibodies, which is called a plasma cell. Each of these steps ensures that plasma cells will contain antibodies that bind only to proteins and/or carbohydrates from foreign substances, referred to as antigens. However, every cell, whether from an outside substance or from our very own bodies, whether it is harmful or whether it is helpful, is capable as serving as an antigen. And if the antibodies released by the plasma form of B cells were to bind to your own antigens (from your own cells), your immune system would react against your body. In fact, this does happen from time to time and is referred to as autoimmunity. Usually autoimmune diseases affect only one or two tissue(s), such as a pancreas or the intestine or the skin or hair follicles, and can be treated with appropriate medicines so that an affected individual can survive and live productive lives. For example, I have a condition called alopecia that is an autoimmune condition affecting hair follicles, causing hair loss. However, as all of you who know me know, there is absolutely nothing wrong with me . . . I mean, I'm practically perfect.
Ahem (clearing throat) . . . ok, what's absolutely crazy is that this condition, autoimmunity, does not happen more often and to a worse degree. After all, in the selectin of functioning and non-harmful B cells, there are about 55 million or over 2/3 (though probably more) of the total amount of B cells that are killed each day in the bone marrow! That's an extremely large number in case any of you are mathematically challenged. As far as T cells (which I'll discuss next week in regards to HIV), only 1% survive their maturation process.
For anyone who has studied the science of the human body, this should not be surprising. There are literally billions of different mechanisms that are going on in your body every second. Moreover, these mechanisms must function everyday for your survival. Now I've barely touched on the development of B cells, which is only one tiny part of the functioning of the entire body. There is also the heart, the brain, the liver, the kidneys, the pancreas, the lungs (to name a few); all very complex organisms that need to survive and all which develop in a unique way with different mechanisms and chemical intermediates. How all of this develops from one cell with two sets of chromosomes is beyond my comprehension. In fact, I could give you the names of many well practiced and intelligent physicians who would say the same. In light of this, I know that to sustain such complex biochemical interactions over time requires much order and organization. Furthermore, I don't think the concept that we are a by-product of millions of years of accidental chemical reactions is very plausible, though I will admit that my knowledge is still quite limited. However, I predict that as I learn more that this point will be be further proven to be correct. So, I guess the incredible organization of the human body is the first thing about life to be learned from B cells.
Second, from B cells, we can learn about love. Love? From B cells? Jeff, I respect you, but seriously, that's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard - you should stop writing and stick to studying. Ok, I know it sounds strange, but bear with me.
As I will continue to demonstrate in my blogs, the different processes that run our bodies reflect a lot about different truths about life. As I've already mentioned, B cells play an important part in the immune system who's primary function is to serve and protect. The immune system is mainly concerned with your welfare. If it was concerned with itself, I think that it'd do a lot more to conserve one of its main consitituents. What I haven't mentioned is that the activated form of B cells, plasma cells, also make an important sacrifice. That is, after the plasma cell releases antibodies, it dies. Think about it. Now I know some of you are aware of memory cells, which are forms of B cells that stick around after an infection that "remember" the antigens of the specific invading foreign substance so that the body will be prepared next time. This is the principle behind vaccines. However, once activated, these memory cells will also become plasma cells that really serve as martyrs in order that the body receives the antibodies it needs to survive and stay healthy.
We must not automatically equate martyrdom with Love though. Certainly, suicide bombers don't give a damn about the the innocent bystanders who die because of their prideful show of how righteous they are. Love is not concerned with looking righteous, and certainly Love would never risk others lives if even it were for their own. Like B cells, Love always gives itself first, for the interest of others. Not that I exhibit this or am an expert, though I might say the rest of me is perfect (this is why I said "practically" perfect and not completely perfect, I still have some work to do).
So there you have it. B cells and life. Certainly there is a lot more to cover in regards to the immune system. However, since we are attempting to cover an entire course in immunology in two weeks, the flux of information entering my head is too much for you to read and for me to write. Feel free to respond with any questions, or objections, whether about immunity or anything else.
posted by jefe at 9:34 PM
2 comments
