When the body is faced with an infection, it is up to the immune system to detect the dangerous cells and eliminate them. But how does the immune system know the difference between it's own cells and those of an invader so that it doesn't end up harming the body in the process? Scientists have known that the outsides of the cells have markers to help the body know that they are friendly cells. But for a long time, scientists weren't sure of the molecular biology behind these structures. Recently, one of these structures have been identified.
Since 1970, scientists have known of the importance of sialic acid in the body involving the immune system, but they were never sure as to why. They knew that this molecule had an impact on keeping the immune system from attacking it's own cells. It wasn't until cells were analysed using x-ray structure analysis and NMR spectroscopy that sialic acid was determined to be one of the structures that helps identify a cell. This discovery tells us more about how cells recognize each other, and could be a clue to figuring out how some
invading cells can disguise themselves as friendly cells and trick the immune system.
Knowing what identifies the cells as friendly to the immune system could potentially help in situations such as organ transplants, where the body ends up rejecting the donated organ. Further research could help identify ways to have another person's cells be changed to allow for the new recipient's immune system to recognize it as friendly. Organ transplant rejections are highly lethal and dangerous, which is why most doctors look for a relative before they look for another source. Sometimes it isn't possible however, and being able to find a way to use another donation and still have it work well would be a tremendous medical progress, as well as a tremendous biochemical advancement.
Source:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/11/141125091114.htm
The content of this blog post really is important in its holding of many implications to the field of healthcare. The immune system is truly complex, and quite amazing in its ability to differentiate between an organism's own cells that those of foreign invaders. Unfortunately, this system does not always effectively benefit an individual. One case of this is with autoimmune conditions where the immune system attacks the organism's own cells. Additionally, there may exist complications for organ transplant recipients as mentioned in this post due to the immune system not recognizing the new organs. Hopefully this finding on the mechanism of action for differentiation of the immune system can be used to reduce the prevalence of rejection in provision of organ transplants. Great article!
ReplyDeleteThis research is extremely important especially for organ donations, if doctors could use this information and find a solution so the amount of donor transplant rejections was decreased it would change everything, it would no longer have such high risks, and people who didn't have a relative donor will have a better shot at living. Autoimmune disorders could also be understood more. Great article!
ReplyDelete