
Innate Immunity
The human body is in continuous contact with viruses, bacteria, fungi and other pathogens, and it has multiple ways to prevent the entry of, or to eliminate, these invaders. There is substantial evidence suggesting that the ability of the immune system to respond to invading pathogens is significantly influenced by various environmental and lifestyle factors, genetic factors, nutrition, supplementation, a sedentary or active lifestyle, smoking, stress, medications, inflammation, health behaviours.
This in part, explains immune variation in adults but one thing is also clear and that is, as we age our immune system declines and leaves us vulnerable to many of the age related diseases and indeed all diseases, viruses, bacteria, pathogens etc.
In this blog post we want to explain the key parts of the immune system and how the immune system declines as we age and what we can do to counteract this decline.
Introduction
There are two pivotal components or arms of the immune syste: the innate and adaptive immune systems. Each system plays a distinct yet interrelated role in safeguarding the body against environmental stressors and pathogens. In this comprehensive exploration, we will unravel the intricate workings of both the innate and adaptive immune responses. Today we are looking at the innate immune system.
Innate Immune System
Immediate Defence Mechanisms
The innate immune system serves as the body’s rapid, non-specific responder. Operating as the first line of defence, it employs a combination of physical and chemical mechanisms to ward off potential threats. The skin acts as a formidable physical barrier, preventing the entry of microorganisms, while mucous membranes, including those in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, serve as additional barriers.
Inflammatory Response Dynamics
Upon pathogen invasion, the body orchestrates an inflammatory response. This dynamic process involves the rapid influx of blood to the site of infection. White blood cells, including neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages, engage in phagocytosis, engulfing and subsequently destroying the invading pathogens. The complement system, acting in synergy with these processes, further enhances the body’s ability to combat infections.
Epithelial Barriers and Defensive Agents
Epithelial barriers, encompassing skin and mucosa, play a crucial role in preventing the establishment of pathogens in the body. Stomach acid and tears further fortify the body’s defences by actively combating and neutralizing invading pathogens. However, if these primary defences prove insufficient, an innate immune response is triggered to combat the threat.
Key Components of the Innate Immune System
The innate immune system comprises various components crucial for mounting an effective defence. Natural killer cells (NKCs) play a vital role in detecting and eliminating abnormal cells, while dendritic antigen-presenting cells serve as messengers, relaying essential information about the pathogen from the innate system to the adaptive immune system.