Scientists from the University of Washington in the USA have discovered that human immune system cells can decide when to eliminate a threat. This increases the immune system’s ability to respond effectively to different types of problems. Research results published In Immunity magazine.
Researchers explained that each person has between 10 and 100 million unique T cells (T cells) that do important work in the immune system. They patrol the body specifically to detect invading pathogens or the emergence of cancer cells that need to be destroyed.
Each T cell has a unique receptor that allows it to recognize foreign proteins on the surface of infected or cancer cells. When a T cell encounters a specific protein, it rapidly divides to destroy the offending pathogen.
In the study, scientists discovered that immune system cells may not immediately destroy pathogens. This is due to the potential for re-invasion of disease-causing microorganisms. The researchers explained that there is a specific way to decide when to eliminate a pathogen. It depends on the activity of a gene called T cell factor 1 or TCF1.
When cells face invading pathogens and inflammation in the body, its suppression leads to early decisions about whether T cells will become effector cells or memory cells. Effector cells are the type that carry out certain actions in response to stimulation, and memory cells store information about previously acting antigens and mount a secondary immune response.
Scientists also discovered that some effector cells, after turning off TCF1 and killing the pathogen, can reactivate it and then turn into memory cells. This flexibility in memory T cell decision-making is critical for producing the right number of cells that respond immediately and cells that prepare for future infections.
existed before named Factors that contribute to a decrease in the body’s immune response.