The Immune System: Dispelling Misconceptions with Dr. Shruti Naya
Summary
In this article, we delve into an insightful Q&A session with Dr. Shruti Naya, a scientist and immunologist, on the workings of the immune system. Dr. Naya addresses common misconceptions surrounding the immune system and provides a detailed explanation of how it operates. She discusses topics such as the hygiene hypothesis, tonsils, immune cells, and the interconnectedness between the immune system and the nervous system. Additionally, she touches on conditions like asthma and psoriasis and provides valuable insights on topics such as fevers, autoimmune disorders, and vaccinations.
Table of Contents
- The Hygiene Hypothesis
- The Significance of Tonsils in the Immune System
- Understanding the Immune System
- The Interconnectedness Between the Immune and Nervous Systems
- Macrophages and Fevers
- Debunking Misconceptions
- The Importance of Vaccinations
Introduction
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc globally, it has never been more important to understand how the immune system works. Misinformation and misconceptions abound regarding the immune system, and Dr. Shruti Naya, an immunologist and scientist, provides insight into how the immune system operates. In this Q&A, we explore various misconceptions people have about the immune system and how it works.
Q&A
The Hygiene Hypothesis
The hygiene hypothesis suggests that exposure to microbes is beneficial for the immune system. Could you explain how this works?
Dr. Naya: The hygiene hypothesis proposes that exposure to various microbes, such as those encountered in early childhood, helps to develop the immune system. Children who grow up on farms, for example, where they are exposed to various pathogens, are less likely to develop allergies and autoimmune disorders later on in life. The theory asserts that if we don’t encounter enough microbes, our immune system becomes weaker and vulnerable to diseases. In conclusion, exposure to microbes could lead to a well-rounded and balanced immunity.
The Significance of Tonsils in the Immune System
Tonsils were widely removed in the past because they were deemed to be disease reservoirs. What is your take on this, and how significant are tonsils in the immune system?
Dr. Naya: Tonsils are a crucial part of the immune system, and they play a vital role in protecting against infections in the throat and nose. The tonsils contain immune cells that detect and fight pathogens. The idea behind the removal of tonsils was based on a myth that they were more harm than good. However, we now understand that removing tonsils can be problematic since it causes an imbalance of bacterial diversity. Overall, tonsils play a crucial role in the immune system and help prevent the invasion of harmful pathogens.
Understanding the Immune System
Could you explain how the immune system works?
Dr. Naya: The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs. These elements work together to protect against pathogens and infections. The immune system has two primary modes of operation: innate immunity and adaptive immunity. Innate immunity is the first line of defense, where immune cells like macrophages eat and digest harmful pathogens. Adaptive immunity is the sophisticated immune response and is tailored to specific antigens. Organs like the thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes all play a specific role in adaptive immunity. Ultimately, the immune system operates to rid the body of infections and pathogens, while also regulating the immune response.
The Interconnectedness Between the Immune and Nervous Systems
Could you explain the interconnectedness between the immune system and the nervous system?
Dr. Naya: The immune and nervous systems are interconnected, and the nervous system can affect the immune system. Stress, for example, has been shown to affect the immune response negatively. The circadian clock also plays a role in the immune response, as cells react differently at different times of the day, leading to fluctuations in stress hormone levels and inflammation. In the end, the interconnectedness between the immune and nervous systems highlights the importance of balancing mental and physical well-being.
Macrophages and Fevers
What are macrophages, and how do they contribute to the immune system? Why do fevers spike at night?
Dr. Naya: Macrophages are crucial cells in the immune system that act as "garbage collectors." They eat, digest, and dispose of dead cells and any intruders that could harm the body. Fever, on the other hand, is the body’s way of fighting infection. The circadian clock affects cells differently, causing cortisol levels to drop and inflammation to surge at night, causing a spike in fever. Therefore, fevers spiking at night is a result of the cyclical effect of the circadian clock.
Debunking Misconceptions
What are some common misconceptions that people have concerning the immune system?
Dr. Naya: There are many misconceptions people have about the immune system. One common misconception is that bringing down a fever prolongs recovery, which is not true. As long as we have remarkable antibiotics and antivirals, bringing down a fever becomes unnecessary. Another is that you can’t catch the same cold twice, but you can. The second time, however, the immune system is better equipped to deal with the pathogen. Lastly, person-to-person variations in immune function are more influenced by extrinsic factors than genetics.
The Importance of Vaccinations
Could you explain the importance of vaccinations in maintaining immunity?
Dr. Naya: Vaccinations help train the immune system to control pathogens. Vaccinations work by introducing small amounts of pathogens that the body can recognize and treat as intruders. The body then mounts an immune response, developing antibodies to fight off the pathogen. Vaccinations have been instrumental in eradicating some of the world’s deadliest diseases and help keep entire populations healthy.
Conclusion
Understanding the immune system has never been more crucial, especially in the current pandemic. Misconceptions surround the immune system, and Dr. Shruti Naya provides valuable insight into how it operates. From the hygiene hypothesis to the importance of tonsils and the interconnectedness between the immune and nervous systems, Dr. Naya dispels common misconceptions and highlights the significance of the immune system. Ultimately, this Q&A enhances our understanding of the immune system, leading to better health practices and overall well-being.
