• Question: Which is the most important part of the immune system?

    Asked by blancavalero to Carmen, Daniel, Laura, Noel, Steph on 9 Mar 2015.
    • Photo: Noel Carter

      Noel Carter answered on 9 Mar 2015:

      I don’t think there is a most important part. Increasingly in biology we think of system such as the immune system more like a carefully balanced ecosystem where everything has it’s place. When parts stop working then effects the whole system and you have problems.

    • Photo: Carmen Denman

      Carmen Denman answered on 9 Mar 2015:

      Hi blancavalero,

      Complicated question!

      I’m not sure there is one specific thing that someone could say is the most important piece of the puzzle. Others may have different answers.

      I for one have always been fascinated by neutrophils. There are a number of genetic diseases where someone is impaired in their innate immunity (chronic granulomatous disease, for example). These patients cells that are supposed to engulf and kill invading pathogens can still engulf them but then don’t actually kill because the cells don’t produce the toxic compounds that are meant to neutralize the pathogen.

      Maybe there is an immune system lynchpin out there – but to me it appears far to complex and interwoven to choose one thing. That is why science is so fascinating – never is the answer black or white!
      Cheers,
      Carmen

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