THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

The immune system is the body’s defense system. 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 as a team. 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 direct the attack of the immune system.

Interferons are within the cytokine family of proteins. Interferons are especially important because they enhance the immune system’s ability to conduct surveillance within the body, 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 T-cells and B-cells. Interferon-Gamma is involved in the regulation of immune response..

Interferon-Gamma modulates 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. Genetic 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 it has antiproliferative effects.

Organs of the Immune System