Today in Disease lecture I learned something that left me picking my jaw up of the ground, as well as chills covering my body. Theres lots if explains and repeating but heres why, The Immune system protects the body from substances that are a potential threat by recognizing and responding to Antigens. Antigens are harmful substances that trigger the body to produce antibodies. Were talking Viruses, bacteria, toxins, protozoa, cancer cells, anything with the potential to be harmful. Antibodies basically attach to and disable the Antigen as well as trigger other immune defenses. Now heres where it starts to get interesting. In order for Antibodies to be made the Antigen has to be introduced to a B-Cell. If the Antigen is not introduced then no Antibodies, no Antibodies means no immune response, no immune response means we would all be dead. So basically we need B-cells. What are B-Cells? B-Cells are a type of lymphocyte (White blood cell) that are responsible for producing Antibodies. Antibody production by B-Cells is triggered by the introduction of an Antigen. Well why is this so mind blowing Ellie? B-Cells are very specific cells. For example, B-Cell 103 could only be triggered by Antigen 103. B-Cells cant mix and match with Antigens, it just doesnt work. B-Cells exist before the Antigen ever poses a threat, B-Cells are not made in response to the threat. They are already there, unless born with a B-Cell deficiency disorder. So we have countless very specialized individual cells that are only good for one specific type of Antigen (which there are also countless numbers of) that exist before every potential Antigen enters or develops in our body. Basically all that mumbo jumbo to say that every person (unless born with a defect) comes fully equipped with every single type of B-Cell they will ever need for every single freaking type of Antigen that ever has, ever does, and ever will exist. Even if that Antigen never comes in contact with you in your entire life. If thats doesnt scream God well then I dont know but Im in awe of how ridiculously amazing that is and how much God truly and intimately knows his creation.
Posted on: Thu, 06 Mar 2014 04:05:48 +0000
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