The Role of the Lymphocyte in an Immune Response

Abstract

The immune system has evolved in the human being as an elaborate mechanism to distinguish itself from all else that is not self. This process serves in the defence against invaders. The cells of the immune system learn to tolerate all tissues, cells and proteins of the body. Failure to control the state of tolerance results in autoimmunity. The understanding of the role of T-cell receptors (TCR), the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC), adhesion molecules and growth factors in antigen recognition has lead to the exploration of various means to modulate the immune response. Safety measures exist to prevent the immune system from attacking its host. The antigen has to be recognized by the T-cell. This involves the TCR and the MHC. In addition it must receive a second signal to become activated. The second signal involves a protein such as B7 binding with CD28. Certain specialized cells, macrophages, dendritic cells and activated B-cells can deliver this second signal for activation; receipt of only one signal can prevent activation. The elucidation of the role of cell-to-cell interactions, the adhesion molecules involved and the accessory growth factors provides modalities for selectively modifying the immune response. This would be of great relevance in autoimmunity and transplantation.

Identification of MHCII variants associated with chlamydial disease in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)

“…The murine IA genes are highly polymorphic MHCII genes that encode for membrane-bound molecules that bind specific exogenous antigens and present them to T lymphocytes (Balakrishnan & Adams, 1995; Kalish, 1995). These are orthologous to the human HLA-DQ α and β genes and, similarly, two human class II alleles, DQA1*0401 and DQB1*0402 (DQ4 phenotype), are associated with increased prevalence and magnitude of c-hsp60 antibody titres (Gaur et al, 1999), and a class II haplotype DR8 DQ4 is associated with presence of anti c-hsp10 antibodies (Betsou, Sueur & Orfila, 1999).…”

Immunomodulatory properties of cacao extracts – potential consequences for medical applications

“…Various immunocompetent cells and mediators are involved in the regulation and modulation of immunological reactions, and especially the interaction of lymphocytes and macrophages plays an important role (Balakrishnan and Adams, 1995). Different types of immune responses are completed by distinct subsets of T-helper (Th) cells like Th1-, Th2-, and Th17-type cells (Romagnani, 2006; Jin et al, 2012).…”

Differential Regulation of Immune Biomarkers by the Trivedi Effect<sup>®</sup>- Energy of Consciousness Healing Treatment Based Herbomineral Formulation in Male <i>Sprague Dawley</i> Rats

“…They eliminate the antigen, either by releasing the antibodies (B cells), cytotoxic granules (cytotoxic T-cells) or directly by signaling to other cells of the immune system (helper T-cells). Thus, they are important for immune functions and regulate the accessory growth factors, which provide modalities to modify the immune response against infections [46]. The decreased level of neutrophils, eosinophils, and monocytes in the Biofield Energy Treated test formulation can be used against many diseases such as chronic inflammatory disease, acute infection, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatic fever, autoimmune disorders, etc.…”