IMMUNE RESPONSE
Immune response refers to the response of the body, which occurs when the immune system is activated by the antigens. The response includes immunity upon pathogenic microorganisms as well as its products, graft rejections, allergies, and autoimmunity to the self-antigens. During this process, the major cells incorporated are B cells and T cells, which are sub-types of lymphocytes, and macrophages a type of white blood cells and leucocyte, (Mak & Saunders 2006). These cells normally produce lymphokines which influence the activities of other host cells. B cells, when activated by assistance T cells undergo clonal expansion. In this process, B cells differentiate into effector B cells.
The effector B cells are short-lived cells which secrete antibodies as well as the memory B cells that live longer and produce a fast, memorable response when it is exposed to a similar infection. During the immune response, B cells get mature and produce immunoglobulins, which are referred to as antibodies, (Mak & Saunders 2006). These antibodies react with the antigens, which are activated. After being produced, the antibodies stay in the body of a person, ensuring that if his immune system encounters that kind of antigen again, the antibodies are already there to resist and protect the body. For example, if somebody is infected by a disease, like chickenpox, he usually never suffer from it again. At this process, antigens are processed by macrophages converting them into immunogenic units which normally stimulate B lymphocytes and differentiate into antibody-secreting plasma cells, which stimulate T cells triggering the release lymphokine, (Schindler et al., 1990).
The immune response may be transferred through serum antibodies introduction from the sensitized to the desensitized persons. During this process, the immune response is highly specific to certain antigen, and it is usually directed against foreign proteins substances.
References
Mak, T. W., & Saunders, M. E. (2006). The immune response: Basic and clinical principles. Amsterdam: Elsevier/Academic.
Schindler, L. W., National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (U.S.), & National Cancer Institute (U.S.). (1990). Understanding the immune system. Bethesda, Md.?: U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health.