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Test Immune System Function
  Immune System, Test Function
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Immunity is a biological phenomenon, providing long-term autosupport of the genetic "self" and "not-self" balance in the body under foreign surroundings. The immune system develops and releases certain mechanisms to provide this support. Understanding the basis of immunology is achieved through the study both of the protective mechanisms challenged by "not-self", and of regulatory processes which form internal homeostasis of "self" in the body. Various tests are available to help doctors investigate the status of an individual's immune system. Immunity may be innate (nonspecific) or adaptive (acquired/specific). Failure of any one component may lead to immunodeficiencies and loss of host defense. Dysregulation of the immune system may result in autoimmune diseases, allergies, infections or tumors. The importance of the immune system as highlighted in the early 1980s by the emergence of AIDS, in which all of the immune disorders may occur.

The main functions of the immune system are:

  1. Defense from "not-self" through both nonspecific and specific mechanisms;
  2. Elimination of modified "self";
  3. Regulation of cell/tissue growth and maturation.
The immune system works closely with the central nervous system, the endocrine system and the liver to maintain homeostasis.

Function
A full blood count and a differential white cell count tell us whether there are enough white blood cells of each required type present. However, this does not tell us how efficiently these cells will respond to a pathogenic challenge: It is necessary to look at their capacity to react to a challenge.

There is more than one way in which to determine a white blood cell's reaction capacity. One can stain the cells for cell markers that indicate an activated status - these are molecules expressed on the cell surface whenever a cell commits itself to react to a challenge. Alternatively, one can measure the concentrations of the substances the cells secrete in response to a pathogen or stimulus.





Test Immune System Function can help with the following:
Aging  Premature/Signs of Aging


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Likely to help


GLOSSARY

AIDS
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. An immune system deficiency disorder that suddenly alters the body's ability to defend itself. The AIDS virus invades the T4 helper/inducer lymphocytes and multiplies, causing a breakdown in the body's immune system, eventually leading to overwhelming infection and/or cancer, with ultimate death.

Allergy (Allergies)
Hypersensitivity caused by exposure to a particular antigen (allergen), resulting in an increased reactivity to that antigen on subsequent exposure, sometimes with harmful immunologic consequences.

Autoimmune Disease (Autoimmune, Autoimmunity)
One of a large group of diseases in which the immune system turns against the body's own cells, tissues and organs, leading to chronic and often deadly conditions. Examples include multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, Bright's disease and diabetes.

Central Nervous System (CNS)
A collective term for the brain, spinal cord, their nerves, and the sensory end organs. More broadly, this can even include the
neurotransmitting hormones instigated by the CNS that control the chemical nervous system, the endocrine glands.

Immune System (Immune Response, Immunity)
A complex that protects the body from disease organisms and other foreign bodies. The system includes the humoral immune response and the cell-mediated response. The immune system also protects the body from invasion by making local barriers and inflammation. The process may involve acquired immunity (the ability to learn and remember a specific infectious agent), or innate immunity (the genetically programmed system of responses that attack, digest, remove, and initiate inflammation and tissue healing).

Liver (Hepatic)
The largest and one of the most complex organs of the body, the liver is responsible for much of the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It is the site of much of the body's detoxification. It is connected very closely with digestion and the regulation of blood sugar, among many other functions. Found behind the ribs on the right side of the abdomen, it has many important functions such as removing harmful material from the blood, making enzymes and bile that help digest food, and converting food into substances needed for life and growth. Hepatic: Pertaining to the liver.

White Blood Cell (WBC, White Blood Cells)
A blood cell that does not contain hemoglobin: a blood corpuscle responsible for maintaining the body's immune surveillance system against invasion by foreign substances such as viruses or bacteria. White cells become specifically programmed against foreign invaders and work to inactivate and rid the body of a foreign substance. White blood cells are composed primarily of neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are either T-cells or B-cells. T-cells (CD3 cells) are divided into T-helper (CD4 cells) and T-suppressor/cytotoxic (CD8 cells) cells.




Last updated: Jun 08, 2008
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