THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

The immune system is the body’s defense against externally generated diseases, such as bacterial and viral infections, as well as internally generated diseases, such as cancer. It consists of a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs and has a sensitive process of checks and balances that together generate an appropriate immune response that is prompt, accurate, effective and self-limiting. It has many different types of cells acting together to attack unwanted infections and altered cells. Cytokines are the chemicals produced by these cells in order to communicate and orchestrate the attack. Binding to specific receptors on target cells, cytokines recruit many other cells and substances to the site of action to help eliminate the unwanted infection. Cytokines also direct cellular traffic and destroy targeted cells.

Interferons are within the cytokine family of proteins. Interferons are especially important because they enhance the immune system’s ability to recognize foreign invaders, enabling the system as a whole to function more effectively. There are three classes of Interferons: Alpha, Beta and Gamma. Interferon Alpha and Beta are produced by many cell types, including the infection-fighting T-cells and B-cells in the blood, and are an important component of the anti-viral response. Interferon-Gamma is involved in the regulation of immune response throughout the body. Interferon-Gamma is the signaling protein that gets the immune system as a whole ready for attack and fine tunes it to quickly and effectively get rid of foreign and unwanted intruders.

Interferon-Gamma is involved in the regulation of nearly all phases of the immune response system, including the activation, growth and differentiation of T-cells, B-cells, macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells and other cell types such as endothelial cells and fibroblasts. Defects in the IFN-G activation pathway are associated with susceptibility to severe micro-bacterial infections. IFN-G is hence regarded as a key immuno-regulator. It enhances the cytotoxic activity of T cells, macrophages and natural killer cells and as such has antiproliferative effects.

Organs of the Immune System