Immune system

The immune system is made up of special cells and chemicals that fight infection. The white blood cells that make up the immune system are made in the bone marrow. These cells move through blood and tissue. Every time a microbe (germ) is overcome, the immune system remembers that microbe. If the body comes in contact with that microbe again, it will be defeated quickly.

The immune system also produces proteins called antibodies that can help neutralise infection or the toxins that some germs produce.

The response to a cut

When skin is broken, microbes can enter the cut. The immune system sets up a defence to this invasion, which includes the following:

• White blood cells, which circle the bloodstream, ‘hear’ of the breach via a chemical alarm sent out by damaged cells. The white blood cells move to the cut and start ‘eating’ the bacteria. Pus is actually dead microbes and dead white blood cells.
• Lymphocytes are another type of immune system cell. B-lymphocytes try to identify the microbe. If the microbe has been defeated before, the lymphocytes know which antibodies have to be made in order to kill it.
• There are a number of different T-lymphocytes. Helper cells help the B-lymphocytes to make antibodies. Killer cells attack infection. Suppressor cells help to call a halt to the immune system response.

The lymphatic system

The lymphatic system is part of the immune system. It is made up of lymph nodes that trap microbes, and the spleen (a blood-filtering organ). Lymphocytes are also found in the lymphatic system.

Fever

A rise in body temperature, or fever, can happen with some infections. This is actually an immune system response. A rise in temperature can kill some microbes. Fever also triggers the body’s repair process.

Viral infections

The immune system keeps a record of every microbe it has ever defeated. This means it can destroy the microbe quickly if it enters the body again, before it can multiply and make you feel sick.

Some infections, like influenza and the common cold, have to be fought many times, because so many different viruses can cause these illnesses. Catching a cold from one virus does not give you immunity against the others.

Immunisation

Immunisation works by mimicking the body’s natural immune response. A small amount of the specially treated virus, bacterium or toxin (vaccine) is injected into the body. The body then makes antibodies. If a vaccinated person is exposed to the actual virus, bacterium or toxin, they won’t get sick. Vaccinations are available against many diseases, such as measles and tetanus.

Other defences

As well as the immune system, the body has a number of other ways to defend itself against microbes, including:

• Skin – is a waterproof barrier that secretes oil with bacteria-killing properties
• Lungs – mucous (phlegm) traps particles, and small hairs (cilia) wave the mucous upwards so it can be coughed out.
• Digestive tract – the mucous lining contains antibodies, while the acid in the stomach can kill most microbes.
• Other defences – body fluids like skin oil, saliva and tears contain anti-bacterial enzymes that help reduce the risk of infection. The constant flushing of the urinary tract and the bowel can also help.

Common problems

Some common problems of the immune system include:

• Allergies – the immune system reacts to a harmless substance as if it were harmful. Allergenic substances include pollen, dust or animal proteins. Common allergies include hay fever, asthma and allergic reactions to food.
• Autoimmunity – the immune system attacks the body’s own structures as if they were foreign.
• Lupus erythematosus – symptoms include skin rashes and painful joints. This is an autoimmune disease.
• Rheumatoid arthritis – the immune system attacks the joint, causing inflammation and swelling.

Where to get help

• Your doctor
• A specialist (ask your doctor for a referral – this may be a dermatologist, rheumatologist or immunologist)

Things to remember

• The immune system fights infection.
• It keeps a record of every microbe defeated.
• Other lines of defence include the skin, lungs and digestive tract.

You might also be interested in:

• Autoimmune disorders.
  
• Food allergy and intolerance.
  
• Hay fever.
  
• HIV and AIDS.
  
• HIV testing.
  
• Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
  
• Immunisation - childhood.
  
• Immunisation - teenagers.
  
• Immunisations - catch-ups.
  
• Lupus.
  
• Lymphatic system.
  
• Meningococcal disease - immunisation.
  
• Multiple sclerosis explained.
  
• Myasthenia gravis.
  
• Pneumococcal disease.
  
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
  
• Sjogren's syndrome.
  
• Spleen explained.
  
• Splenomegaly explained.
  
• Thyroid disorders - hyperthyroidism.
  
• Tonsillitis explained.
  
• Vaccines.
  

Want to know more?

Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

(Logo links to further information)

Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)

Last reviewed: June 2011

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residents and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that, over time, currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

If you would like to link to this fact sheet on your website, simply copy the code below and add it to your page:

<a href="http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Immune_system?open">Immune system - Better Health Channel</a><br/>
The immune system fights infection from bacteria, viruses and other microbes. It is made up of specialised cells that move through blood and tissue. The white blood cells that make up the immune system are made in the bone marrow. Problems of the immune system include allergies, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus.

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your qualified health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residence and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a qualified health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

For the latest updates and more information, visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Copyight © 1999/2012  State of Victoria. Reproduced from the Better Health Channel (www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au) at no cost with permission of the Victorian Minister for Health. Unauthorised reproduction and other uses comprised in the copyright are prohibited without permission.