The invention of vaccines represents one of the greatest achievements in modern medicine. Comparing antibiotics and improved vaccinations in saving lives, vaccines are the cost-effective approach in history. However, most vaccines were developed empirically, without a proper understanding of the immunological mechanisms through which an individual gains a protective immunity. It is important to note that the immune system undergoes different responses to protect an individual from various pathogens. This research paper analyzes an individual's immune system in conferring the protective immune system, by detailing aspects such as the body's initial responses and direct players in the process, both the cells and body organs. It also describes the conduit soluble or the mobile immune factors that reach and interact with the pathogens.
The lymphatic vessels actively participate in the immune response during an invasion by pathogens. The lymphatic vessels provide both the functional and structural support for antigens delivery to the draining lymph nodes. According to Liao et al. (2016), the lymphatic system controls the ultimate immune response through various ways, such as promoting antigen/dendritic trafficking through the afferent lymphatic vessels by helping in the cell and lymph movement. Additionally, the lymphatic system enables the presentation of the antigens in the lymph nodes through a network of lymph node stromal cells and lymphatic endothelial cells. Therefore, it is important to note that the lymphatic system plays a crucial role in one's immune regulation when infected by pathogens.
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In normal human biology, the lymphatic vessels play three crucial roles. First, lymphatic vessels maintain a fluid balance in a human's body. The lymphatic vessels are responsible for returning fluids that leak in the peripheral tissues back to the blood circulation (Liao et al., 2016). Second, the lymphatic system, in the intestines absorbs dietary fats, which are then transported back into the bloodstream. Lastly, the lymphatic system is responsible for facilitating an individual's immune defenses. According to Liao et al. (2016), the lymphatic vessels are the channels through which the immune cells and antigens are transported to their draining lymph nodes for immune protection. For instance, when the infectious pathogens invade an individual's peripheral tissues, their lymphatic vessels transport the antigen-presenting cells, which had engulfed the pathogen or the real antigen to the lymph nodes. Therefore, the above process is responsible for initiating adaptive immunity, which leads to the production of antibodies and cells that are likely to clear the pathogen and develop a memory against it.
The innate immune response is found in all multicellular organisms as the first mechanism for the host defense. According to Aristizabal and Gonzalez (2013), the innate immune system is more ancient than the adaptive or the acquired immune response. The adaptive immune response protects the host from various infectious agents and toxins such as viruses, fungi, and bacteria available in the surrounding environment. The complex immune system is categorized into innate immunity and specific or adaptive immunity. The innate immunity is gained through participation and the activation of the natural barriers such as mucosa and skin. However, adaptive immunity is targeted against a previously recognized antigen or microorganism (Aristizabal & Gonzalez, 2013). Therefore, in the case of an individual finding himself infected by a previously undiscovered pathogen transmission, the innate immune system recognizes it in which the adaptive immune response is later activated.
White blood cells are responsible for tackling various infections in a host's body. At the early stages of the immune response, the innate immune system's cells such as macrophages and neutrophils are vital at the scene of the environmental breach. These cells in these areas secrete highly destructive substances such as enzymes, which are capable of digesting reactive chemicals and proteins. Later on, the innate immune system cells engulf and digest substances they have damaged through a process named phagocytosis. However, the infections which are not destroyed through phagocytosis attract the lymphocytes' attention. The lymphocytes help the body in adapting and establishing memory, thus allowing the immune system to formulate specific responses when they remember particular infections, thus facilitating counterattacks, which are effective and fast.
The innate immunity comprises various components, such as physical barriers, including the mucous and epithelial membrane surfaces and tight junctions in the skin. Pulendra and Ahmed (2011) name the other components of innate immunity as anatomical barriers, cell receptors such as Toll-like, which sense microorganisms and signal a defensive response and, cells capable of releasing cytokines and inflammatory mediators such as the mast cells. Therefore, after the interaction of the host and pathogen, a signaling cascade is initiated, which enhances one's immune response to eliminate the invader pathogen.
MMR vaccine as a post-exposure can be effective in modifying the disease to an individual that has already been infected by the Transmissio pathogen. MMR vaccine as a post-exposure ought to operate within a constrained timeframe. Measurable benefits can accrue if the vaccine is administered between the exposure to the pathogen and the onset of the symptoms. Therefore, if the MMR vaccine is administered before the onset of the Transmissio symptoms the vaccine can stimulate an immune response faster than that provoked by the natural infection alone.
In summary, it is important to note that the immune system consists of both innate and adaptive immune responses. The innate is more ancient compared to the acquired immune response. The innate immunity is gained through participation and the activation of the natural barriers such as mucosa and skin. While adaptive immunity is targeted against a previously recognized pathogen. Cells such as neutrophils and macrophages are crucial in developing an immune response. Therefore, both innate and adaptive immunity is crucial during a pathogen invasion.
References
Aristizabal, B. & Gonzalez, A. (2013). Innate Immune System. In J. Anaya et al., Autoimmunity: From Bench to Bedside . El Rosario University Press.
Liao, S. et al. (2016). Lymphatic System: An Active Pathway for Immune Protection. Semin Cell Dev Biol, 38, 83-89.
Pulendran, B. & Ahmed, R. (2012). Immunological Mechanisms of Vaccination. Nat Immunol, 12(6), 509-517.
