In case of failure of the innate immunity to contain the infection, the body will oppose a more specific response to pathogenic microbes.
Homework help – Write an essay about cellular and humoral immunities emphasizing their similarities and differences.
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Cellular and Humoral Immunities
Humoral immunity is called anti-body mediated immunity. The immunity is mediated by macromolecules such as secreted antibodies, antimicrobial peptides, and complement proteins. The name of humoral immunity is because the substances enhancing immunity are derived from humors or body fluids. On the other hand, cellular or cell-mediated immunity is an immune system that does not involve antibodies. The immunity involves activation of phagocytes and antigen-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. The immune response involve releasing cytokines to counter antigens. Cellular immunity protects the body T-cells that trigger apoptosis and macrophages that enable destruction of pathogens. Cell-mediated immunity stimulates cells to secrete cytokines. The primary affectors of cell-mediated immunity are T-cells.
Both cell-mediated and humoral immunities are active immunities. Active immunity means that the system is available for response upon exposure to a pathogen. Passive immunity occurs when the body is protected by immunity from someone else. Another similarity is that both types of immunities are responsive and effective for protecting the body against diverse microbial pathogens. The immunities enhance the safety of the body by responding to bacterial and viral infections that undermine the health of the body. Both cell-mediated and humoral immunities have a lag period. The lag period may take at least 2-3 days as the B cells are activated and differentiate into plasma cells. Studies show that both cell-mediated and humoral immunities have immunological memory. Immunological memory is the ability of the immune system to respond effectively and accurately to pathogens incurred in the past.
Cell-mediated and humoral immunities are less effective in individuals with weak immune system. Immune deficient means individuals have a weak capacity to defend their body against pathogens. For instance, the two types of immunities are weak among individuals with high viral load of HIV/AIDs. It is advisable for such individuals to seek medical care to avoid exposing their body to infections.
Cell-mediated immunity involves receptors which are used to detect the antigens while in humoral immunity antibodies are used to detect foreign bodies. Cell-mediated immunity protects the body against extra-cellular bacteria pathogens, virus, and fungi. Humoral immunity safeguards the body against viral pathogens and extracellular bacteria. Cell-mediated immunity mediates delayed hypersensitivity type IV while humoral immunity mediates type I, II, and III. Cell-mediated immunity provides immunological surveillance while humoral immunity does not provide surveillance.
One of the strengths of cell-mediated immunity is that it can eliminate tumor cells making it effective in fighting against cancer. It is unlike humoral immunity that cannot eliminate the cancerous cells. Cell-mediated immunity is detrimental in rejection of organ transplants. Humoral immunity is critical in rejecting grafted organs due to the presence of poorly-formed antibodies. Healthcare workers carrying out organ transplant must assess the impact and weaken the immune systems to prevent poor results of organ transplant.
Cellular immunity involves both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in response to pathogens, surveillance, and memory of the pathogens. In humoral immunity TH cells are involves in the immune response to pathogens. Cell-mediated immune response responds to pathogens through cell lysis and programmed death while humoral immunity involves neutralization or destruction. Cell-mediated immunity comprises MHC class I proteins while humoral immunity involve MHC class II proteins. The differences and similarities between the two types of immunities are critical in responding to various pathogens and in provision of care.
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