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The Hidden Power in the Serum: How Hans Buchner Revealed the Mysteries of the Immune System
The immune system is the mechanism that protects us and plays a key role when pathogens invade. Among them, humoral immunity is a crucial function, responsible for the production of antibodies to fight against foreign substances. This research began in the 19th century and continues to explore the mysteries behind it today. Hans Buchner's important contribution in this regard was to uncover the hidden powers in serum, providing many insights into how the immune system operates.
Basic concepts of the immune system
The immune system is divided into two parts: natural immunity and acquired immunity. Natural immunity is a defense mechanism we are born with, while acquired immunity is a specific response to a pathogen upon exposure to it. Humoral immunity, also known as antibody-mediated immunity, originates from large molecules in serum that act in extracellular fluids, including secreted antibodies, complement proteins, and certain antimicrobial peptides.
Contributions of Hans Buchner
Hans Buchner first described the "protective substance" - alexin - present in the body in 1890, which is regarded as an early concept of antibodies. These alexins have the ability to kill microorganisms, thus laying the foundation for humoral immunity. Through his research, these substances, later renamed complements, revealed the connection between innate and acquired immunity.
This discovery helps link the characteristics of innate and acquired immunity.
The role of antibodies
Antibodies, or immunoglobulins, are glycoproteins found in the blood and lymph. They are structured as large Y-shaped globulins and are divided into five different types: IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG and IgM. Each type of immunoglobulin differs in biological properties to adapt to different antigens. The primary functions of antibodies include recognizing and neutralizing foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses.
The production process of antibodies
In the humoral immune response, when immature B cells bind to antigens, they send out signals to instruct B cells to produce specific antibodies. Mature B cells then migrate from the bone marrow to lymphoid organs such as lymph nodes, where they encounter pathogens and initiate an immune response.
Once B cells come into contact with the antigen, they take it in and process it through endocytosis.
Operation of the complement system
The complement system is a biochemical cascade in the immune system that helps clear pathogens from the body. It is derived from a variety of small plasma proteins that play a role in damaging the cell membranes of target cells. The complement system involves more than 35 soluble and cell-binding proteins that play key roles in immune responses.
Future research directions
As immunological research continues to deepen, scientists' understanding of the immune system continues to increase. Since Buchner, many scientific breakthroughs have transformed the understanding of humoral immunity, such as the development of immunotherapy. However, there is still much uncharted territory to explore, especially in vaccine development and treatments for autoimmune diseases.
In short, Hans Buchner revealed the invisible power of serum, initiated the study of humoral immunity, and established many of the basic theories of today's immune system. This research not only allows us to better understand our own defense mechanisms, but also paves the way for the future of human health. Can we continue to rely on this knowledge to develop better treatments in the face of ever-changing pathogens?
