An #Immunology Bedtime Story: A few days ago I got my flu shot. The needle breached my skin barrier and deposited inactivated pieces of selected strains of Influenza into my system. This breech sounded the alarm and my immune system went into action.
The first lines of creating an uncomfortable environment for the perceived virus began including raising the temperature in the area as well as various mediators to attract other immune cells to the area.
As the cells are working together on the battle fields and behind the lines in the lymph node camps, a chill runs through the air. Every cell feels the hair raise on the back of their necks. The Natural Killer cells were always there but more have arrived. Cells become nervous..
Unlike the generals who follow various levels of bureaucracy the Natural Killer cells are like Ninjas delivering a swift death to any cells that no longer display their MHC member class identification. There is no negotiation or discussion,
When an NK cell appears before you they are the last cell you will see before you are lysed. Leaving a trail of destruction for the various phagocytes to clean up. Infected cells can lose their membership cards as part of the infection only to be quickly and quietly annihilated.
Thankfully this is an inactivated vaccine strain so cells are not infected and there is no bloodshed today.
As the first lines of defence worked away, the scouts bring back various pieces to the inactivated virus to the tent of the generals.
As the first lines of defence worked away, the scouts bring back various pieces to the inactivated virus to the tent of the generals.
The B and T generals mediated by CD40 assess the information. T generals provide the required activation codes for the B generals and it all begins.
Antibodies are being assembled to recognize and take down the threat essentially creating a cavalry to assist Innate Infantry.
Antibodies are being assembled to recognize and take down the threat essentially creating a cavalry to assist Innate Infantry.
Some B generals will assign some units to the exclusive Plasma Memory unit where they will be ready should this threat re-surface. Contain the threat now but also be ready should they dare breech our system again.
Similarly, T cells also proliferate making fighter T cells, elite tactical units that will be able to fight intracellular viral infections. They will also create memory T cells who keep the memory of the threat, the tactical strategies, and other aspects of battle.
The system is primed and boosted. The infantry, the cavalry, tactical units, special ops,.. the whole team is ready to fight and protect me. All of this process happens within me but all I experience is a slightly sore arm for a day or two. #VaccinesWork #FluVaccine
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