Topic: Immune system
A type of immune cell, called a lymphocyte, which is involved in the adaptive immune system and helps protect the body from diseases, such as cancer. There are two main types: Cytotoxic T cells, also known as CD8+ cells, which can destroy infected cells and tumour cells directly and indirectly. Helper T cells, also known […]
White blood cells are a crucial part of the body’s immune system, which works to protect us from infection and other diseases, such as cancer. There are many types of white blood cells, which includes macrophages, lymphocytes, granulocytes and others. Also called leucocytes.
A type of white blood cell involved in the immune system that engulfs and digests foreign invaders, such as bacteria, as well as dead, damaged or abnormal cells such as cancer cells. Macrophages also stimulate the action of other cells involved in the immune system. Macrophages are a type of antigen-presenting cell and involved in […]
A type of immune cell, called a lymphocyte, which is involved in the innate immune system and can respond rapidly to destroy infected and diseased cells, like cancer cells.
A specialised area of science that studies the immune system, which helps fight off disease in the body.
Innate immunity is the body’s first line of defence against harmful foreign substances, such as bacteria, viruses and cancer cells. It is often called non-specific immunity, as it responds quickly and non-specifically to threats. Innate immunity plays a significant role in triggering adaptive immunity, the body’s specialised immune system that recognises specific threats. Tumour cells […]
A type of white blood cell involved in the immune system which helps protect you from infections and other diseases, such as cancer. Lymphocytes are made in the bone marrow and then mature and exit into your bloodstream and lymphatic system. The two main types of lymphocytes: B lymphocytes (also known as B-cells) make antibodies […]
A type of white blood cell (immune cell) that has granules inside. These granules are small particles containing special proteins that can be released to fight infections, allergies, and sometimes cancer. There are four different kinds of granulocytes: neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils and mast cells.
A protein that is produced by B-cells, a type of immune cell, that helps protect the body from disease. Immunoglobulins work by either directly blocking invaders, or their effect, or by tagging them so other parts of the immune system can destroy them. There are five main types of immunoglobulins: IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG and […]
A type of signalling protein that help regulate the immune system. Some cytokines stimulate the immune system, whilst others slow it down. They can also be produced in laboratories and used to treat cancer, infections, and other diseases. Examples of cytokines are interleukins, interferons, and colony-stimulating factors (see immunotherapy).