Dear passengers, our next station is one of the most popular and actual news in biological sphere. According to this fantastic article, Ebola virus can be treated! Using high-efficiency method, scientists are able to separate and cultivate antibodies from the blood of sick people and develop a cure against this disease.
First of all, let`s make a brief introduction to what virus is. Virus is infectious agent that consists of only two components: genetic material (DNA or RNA) and protective coat. Even though they have such simple composition, viruses are very harmful for all types of life form. Ebola virus disease (EVD) causes fever, sore throat, muscle pain, headaches and blood bleeding.
There is a wide range of different kinds of cells, each specializing for appropriate functions, according to their location, structure and gene expression. One of the most useful cell types which is found nearly in every living organism, are white blood cells, or leukocytes, which come in two basic types. They combine to find, bind and destroy any kinds of disease-causing substances. Leukocytes are produced inside the bone marrow and stored in our blood and lymphatic tissues. This circulation gives leukocytes access everywhere in organism. Above - mentioned types of leukocyte are phagocytes and lymphocytes. First one, simply “chews” an invading organisms. Lymphocytes act more intellectually, by trying to recognize and remember previous pathogenic organisms. There are two types of them: B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes. B cells stay on the production place, while T type cells leave to the thymus gland. Working in a team, B lymphocytes recognize pathogen and give a command to T lymphocytes on invaders destruction.
Let`s imagine a real-life situation, when you are sick. What actually happens inside of your organism? Antigens (invaders) are detected by the group of lymphocyte cells, which send signals to B cells in antibodies production. The most important feature of antibodies is that they are saved in our immune system and can be used in the case of future pathogen invasion. However, we remember that antigen inactivation is a team process. So, T lymphocytes are used in destroying already locked invaders and any infected cells. In addition to this, they take part in signaling, warning remaining cells.
This organism’s defense mechanism is used to prevent certain diseases in healthy organisms. Immunization is the process, when organism is artificially infected by antigens, which don`t cause disease itself, but lead to antibody production. Obtained antibodies are used in a future protection of this organism and not only. This easily comprehendible procedure is the key feature of antibodies cultivation and basis of vaccination.
You may also watch video about antibodies in action:
Reference list:
Picture 1. Ebola virus.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjkzR-jCZcJ2OYXb6Y1pRFEqUbr1gQxeTSEQs9ZmrbnV_Rl9PrG_mXzG-UyLVqhP317woi2Fq92yihsCfsctVHQ9WhklnFpE5A74JwcABngtkToQi-tDqda1PNZzZslxvY9vMETI3GfrbmS6EJTp21xy1_H7yQ=
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjkzR-jCZcJ2OYXb6Y1pRFEqUbr1gQxeTSEQs9ZmrbnV_Rl9PrG_mXzG-UyLVqhP317woi2Fq92yihsCfsctVHQ9WhklnFpE5A74JwcABngtkToQi-tDqda1PNZzZslxvY9vMETI3GfrbmS6EJTp21xy1_H7yQ=
There is a wide range of different kinds of cells, each specializing for appropriate functions, according to their location, structure and gene expression. One of the most useful cell types which is found nearly in every living organism, are white blood cells, or leukocytes, which come in two basic types. They combine to find, bind and destroy any kinds of disease-causing substances. Leukocytes are produced inside the bone marrow and stored in our blood and lymphatic tissues. This circulation gives leukocytes access everywhere in organism. Above - mentioned types of leukocyte are phagocytes and lymphocytes. First one, simply “chews” an invading organisms. Lymphocytes act more intellectually, by trying to recognize and remember previous pathogenic organisms. There are two types of them: B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes. B cells stay on the production place, while T type cells leave to the thymus gland. Working in a team, B lymphocytes recognize pathogen and give a command to T lymphocytes on invaders destruction.
Picture 2. Lymphocytes
Picture 3. Antibodies.
You may also watch video about antibodies in action:
Reference list:
ScienceDaily. "Bone marrow." ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/b/bone_marrow.htm
"Ebola virus disease." WHO. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs103/en/
"Lymphatic tissue." MedicineNet.
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=10347
"Robot Check." Robot Check. http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/b/bone_marrow.htm
"Ebola virus disease." WHO. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs103/en/
"Lymphatic tissue." MedicineNet.
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=10347
"Robot Check." Robot Check. http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/b/bone_marrow.htm
No comments:
Post a Comment