Wednesday, July 10, 2024

The Immune System: A Unique Signature for Everybody

The Hidden Fingerprint: Why Our Immune Systems Are Unique


The biggest difference between us isn't how we look, it's our immune systems. And guess what? There's no ranking system there - everyone's unique. Recent research shows that each person’s immune system is unique, akin to a fingerprint or DNA.[9,11] Mapping antibodies from healthy and sick individuals revealed this diversity.
Much of this diversity comes down to our inherited genetic makeup. “The greatest diversity in all of the 25,000 genes that make up the human genome is in our few immune system genes,” Daniel Davis, professor of immunology at Imperial College London and author of The Compatibility Gene, explains. “That means that the genes that vary most between us all are the ones that influence the immune system.”[1]
Researchers used a special model to study differences in immune cell types among mice.[9] They pinpointed genes that control the number of each immune cell type, many of which work within their own cell type to regulate growth, movement, and death. Interestingly, they also found a unique set of genes expressed in one immune cell type that control another. 

By analyzing genomes across various vertebrates, the researchers discovered that these "crosstalk" genes have accumulated more mutations. This suggests that these genes provide a safe zone for evolution to experiment, allowing for the creation of new interactions between cell types without harming the organism. This increased diversity could be key to the immune system's ability to adapt to new threats.

Figure 1. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Trained Innate Immunity (details) 


Individuality in Immunity: Why We Fight Disease Differently


While some people seem to breeze through infections, others struggle. Here's why:

  • Early exposure and vaccination: People with a history of encountering germs and receiving vaccinations may have a primed immune system.
  • Immune system bias: Each person's immune system is wired to be slightly better at fighting specific illnesses.
  • Dietary influence: A healthy diet supports a robust immune response.
  • Viruses as teachers: Perhaps viruses aren't just enemies, but educators that train our immune system.
  • A symphony of defense: Colds are actually a sign of a healthy immune system working hard!

Beyond "Superhuman" Immunity:

The concept of a universally "stronger" immune system is misleading. The incredible diversity of our immune systems makes such generalizations meaningless. Doctors focus on understanding how the innate and acquired immune systems work together to fight infection.

Lifestyle choices also significantly impact our immune response:

  • Stress: Chronic long-term stress can suppress immune function by producing cortisol, which weakens immune cells.
  • Sleep: Sleep is crucial for immune health. Disrupted sleep patterns can throw off your immune system's natural rhythm.

The Gut Connection:

Adding another layer to this complexity is the gut microbiome, consisting of trillions of bacteria that directly influence the immune system. A healthy gut microbiome packed with diverse bacteria contributes to a strong immune response.

Our Unique Fingerprint: The Power of Diversity

In summary, our immune systems are:

  • Highly individual and complex: Like fingerprints, no two immune systems are exactly alike.
  • Rapidly evolving: The genes controlling our immune system are the most diverse in our entire genome, allowing for quick adaptation to new threats.
  • Diverse in function: This variation enables our species to combat a wide range of illnesses.
  • Shaped by genetics: Our unique immune response is partly determined by our inherited genes.

Understanding this diversity is key to appreciating the remarkable power of our immune system.


References

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