Key Facts:
- The immune system is a network of cells and organs that work together to defend the body against attacks by “foreign” invaders, or germs. It operates by producing proteins called antibodies or specialized white blood cells that recognize these foreign invaders as different from us.
- We all live in a sea of germs. The immune system works to keep those germs from causing disease. When a germ does enter the body, the immune system fights to eliminate them and help us recover.
- When the immune system is malfunctioning it can cause a variety of diseases, such as immunodeficiency, AIDS, allergy, arthritis, and maybe even cancer.
The immune system is complex and sophisticated. It can recognize enemies and in most cases fight off the germ before we even know it has invaded our body. - Anything that can trigger an immune response (a bacteria, virus or pollen), is called an antigen. Sometimes, the immune system responds by producing a special kind of antibody called allergic antibody. That is when allergic reactions occur. Substances that trigger the production of allergic antibodies are called allergens.
New Research:
- The major component of green tea may have a preventative effect on HIV infection (JACI Nov 2003; William T. Shearer, MD, PhD, FAAAAI, et. al).
*DISCLAIMER
This site is not meant to diagnose your condition. The information here does not necessarily pertain to all individuals and should not replace the advice of your physician. Please contact your doctor with any questions.