Immune discovery article
Summary:
Scientists have discovered a new kind of immune system response where the cells do not circulate throughout the body, but instead only reside in a single organ. This discovery could lead to a whole new set of opportunities to use immune cells to help fight cancers and viral infections. The liver, skin and uterus each have their own set of immune cells that never leave, which are called tissue-resident natural killer cells. If scientists are able to create specialized medications to activate only these organ specific cells, they would be a massive selective weapon against tumors and infections. Results of further testing suggest that there are four types of natural killer cells, instead of just one; which was previously thought.
Connection:
This article relates to a few key human body systems and ways to treat certain threats that the body faces. The immune system is a system that we are yet to learn about, but it plays a key role to protect other organs, such as the liver which aids in the digestive system. It also resides in the integumentary system in the sense that these specialized cells reside in the skin to help protect the body from pathogens.
What could the discovery of these tissue-resident natural killer cells mean for the future of medications? Also, what is the importance of there being four types of these natural killer cells as opposed to one, is it just that there is even more specialization with these cells or something else?
ReplyDeleteWhat this means for the future of medication is that instead of having to find certain chemicals to treat a disease and that may affect other parts of the body, these immune cells are specific, so there would be no side effects to the medication and no collateral damage to the body. Also, like the natural killer cells, many tumors are residential, so if the natural killer cells were to be able to eliminate the tumor, it would be far more effective than surgery. The four kinds of natural killer cells means that they are even more specific to their designated organ.
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