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Metchnikoff's 'phagocyte' theory: how it changed our understanding of immunity?
Ilya Ilyich Mechnikov was a Russian biologist whose research fundamentally changed our understanding of the immune system. He is best known for his discovery of the "phagocyte," a theory that remains one of the cornerstones of immunology. He and Paul Ehrlich jointly won the 1908 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their groundbreaking contributions to immunology.
The development of the concept that phagocytic programs are an important component of the immune response has not only promoted research in the scientific community, but also had a profound impact on medical practice.
Metchnikoff was born in 1845 in the Russian Empire, in present-day Ukraine, into a family with a multicultural background that would influence his scientific views. From an early age, his mother encouraged his pursuit of science, and he eventually studied at prestigious universities in Odessa and St. Petersburg.
The process of discovering phagocytes
Metchnikoff's work focused on his research on microorganisms. In 1882, while working with starfish larvae, he first observed the process of phagocytosis, in which certain white blood cells surround and destroy pathogens. He proposed that these cells, when attacked by bacteria, would rapidly aggregate to the site of infection. Although Metchnikoff's theories were met with skepticism at the time, his efforts eventually won recognition from the scientific community.
Metchnikoff's phagocyte theory challenged the mainstream view of the time and greatly expanded our understanding of the mechanisms of immune response.
In his exchanges with several prominent scientists, he accepted the term "phagocytosis," which made his discovery not just an isolated case but the core of scientific discussion. His research also revealed the two major branches of the immune system: innate immunity and acquired immunity. As the times change, Metchnikoff's theory remains the cornerstone of modern medicine and has inspired subsequent in-depth research on the immune system.
Study the connection between life and health
In addition to his research on immunity, another notable contribution of Metchnikoff was his exploration of aging and healthy living. He believed that beneficial bacteria in the intestines are essential to human health and longevity, and promoted the concept of probiotics. He once conducted an in-depth study on the eating habits of Bulgarian farmers and found that their longevity was closely related to their large intake of yogurt. In multiple self-experiments, Metchnikoff drank yogurt every day and even incorporated live bacteria into his daily diet in the hope of extending his life.
Metchnikoff's concept of "orthobiosis" put forward the importance of intestinal microbiota as early as the beginning of the 20th century, which has gained new attention in the nutrition and microbiology fields today.
His views were not taken seriously at the time. However, with the development of science and breakthroughs in the research of probiotics, Metchnikoff's views were gradually accepted. Today, probiotics are widely used to improve intestinal health and enhance immune function.
Continuing Impact and Current Understanding
Metchnikoff's research had an immeasurable impact on subsequent scientists. To this day, the science of studying the microbiome, the immune system, and the aging process remains a hot area. His theories paved the way for advances in immunology and microbiology, and research continues into how we can improve our health through adjustments to our daily lives. As science and technology advance, our understanding of the immune system continues to deepen, and Metchnikoff's spirit continues to guide exploration in this field.
Metchnikoff died in 1916, but his theories and contributions to science remain relevant today. Today, Metchnikoff’s name is still frequently mentioned in the scientific community’s research on promoting healthy eating, delaying aging, and improving immunity, which makes people wonder: How will our understanding of the immune system evolve in the future, and will there be new breakthroughs?
