SYMPTOMS INSTEAD OF THE

DISEASE

Jehona Latifi

Biochemistry 658

The Immune System

Innate ImmunityAntigen-nonspecific defense systemExamples: skin, stomach acid, mucus, etc.

Acquired Immunity Antigen-specific defense system Example: antibodies in the body

Inflammation

Response of the innate immunity to an invader inside the body.

The inflammation is due to blood and other defense cells that rush to the infected area.

Signs of inflammation include redness, swelling, heat and pain.

Prolonged Inflammation

When inflammation is prolonged, it causes problems inside the body.

It is said that inflammation and the innate immunity trigger many autoimmune diseases

Example: cancer Cancer progresses due to growth

factors and cytokines that are released by the inflammatory response.

They are focusing on attacking the symptoms instead of the disease by treating inflammation and reducing cytokines

Reduction of inflammation and cytokines slows down the progression of the tumor

This would allow patients to live with a manageable disease instead of a non curable disease

References Tan, Ting-Ting, and Lisa M Coussens. "Humoral Immunity, Inflammation And

Cancer." Current Opinion In Immunology 19.2 (2007): 209-216. Academic Search Premier. Web. 12 Apr. 2012.

Varney, Michelle L., and Rakesh K. Singh. "The Role Of Inflammation In Tumor Progression: Targeting Tumor-Associated Macrophages." Clinical Research & Regulatory Affairs 25.3 (2008): 139-155. Academic Search Premier. Web. 12 Apr. 2012.

Wan-Wan, Lin, and Michael Karin. "A Cytokine-Mediated Link Between Innate Immunity,Inflammation, And Cancer." Journal Of Clinical Investigation 117.5 (2007): 1175-1183. Academic Search Premier. Web. 12 Apr. 2012.

Yale J Biol Med. 2006 December; 79(3-4): 123–130.Published online 2007 October.