Take a tour of your virus-fighting immune system

Science Millions of cells, protecting you by JoAnna Wendel Updated: Feb. 20, 2024 Originally Published: May 29, 2020 Shutterstock

Shutterstock The immune system has several lines of defense against life-threatening infections.

Shutterstock Immunity starts at your skin, your body’s largest organ. Human skin contains a type of immune cell called a T-lymphocyte, or T-cell for short.

There are actually more T-cells on your skin than in your blood .

Shutterstock The mucus in your nose and nasal passages collect pathogens from entering your body.

More mucus lining the insides of your respiratory system (like your throat and lungs) also protect you from pathogens.

Shutterstock When the body detects an invading virus or other pathogen, it releases various types of cells, like T-cells, to attack the invader.

Shutterstock Another type of lymphocyte, called a B-cell, creates antibodies that can attach to a pathogen and disarm it.

There are two immune subsystems: innate and adaptive . Shutterstock

Your innate immune system responds to any pathogen or threatening substance.

Shutterstock The adaptive immune system has a memory. It can reproduce antibodies it created to fight off a previous infection.

This is why you can’t get measles more than once... Shutterstock

Shutterstock Some of our behaviors can affect our immune system. Drinking, for example, can hamper our bodies’ response to pathogens.

"After an episode of binge drinking, the ability of the innate immune system...to fight infections is reduced," says George Koob , director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

Shutterstock And it’s generally accepted that plenty of sleep, exercise, and a balanced diet can keep your immune system healthy.

Take a tour of your virus-fighting immune system

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