Special cells, called stem cells, located within the bone marrow give rise to all the cells of the immune system. The cells that are produced by these stem cells are referred to as white blood cells. This general category comprises numerous types, each serving distinct functions.
The neutrophils functions to gobble up bacteria that gain entrance into the body. Also assisting in this function are white blood cells called macrophages. These cells usually come after the neutrophils are already engaged. In addition to bacteria, macrophages also have the capability to eat viruses, fungal organisms, and foreign matter.
When a dog or cat is vaccinated, special immune cells called lymphocytes are stimulated. B lymphocytes are responsible for producing actual antibodies in response to the vaccine or foreign organism; T lymphocytes don’t produce antibodies per se, yet they assist the B lymphocytes in doing so, and help modulate the immune response. They also have the ability to attack and kill cells within the body that are cancerous or infected with viruses.
Both B and T lymphocytes are said to possess “memory” that is, they remember the various organisms and invaders that they’re fighting against. That way, if they show up again at a later date, they will be attacked without hesitation. Yet even with memory, this response can become slower and weaker over time if the immune system remains idle. This is why certain vaccination boosters are needed periodically.
Another important lymphocyte of the immune system is called the natural-killer cell, which searches for and destroys tumor cells and cells infected with viruses. Unlike their T-cell counterparts, natural killer cells do not possess memory, yet at the same time, few of them require a previous exposure to a foreign agent to respond effectively.
The neutrophils functions to gobble up bacteria that gain entrance into the body. Also assisting in this function are white blood cells called macrophages. These cells usually come after the neutrophils are already engaged. In addition to bacteria, macrophages also have the capability to eat viruses, fungal organisms, and foreign matter.
When a dog or cat is vaccinated, special immune cells called lymphocytes are stimulated. B lymphocytes are responsible for producing actual antibodies in response to the vaccine or foreign organism; T lymphocytes don’t produce antibodies per se, yet they assist the B lymphocytes in doing so, and help modulate the immune response. They also have the ability to attack and kill cells within the body that are cancerous or infected with viruses.
Both B and T lymphocytes are said to possess “memory” that is, they remember the various organisms and invaders that they’re fighting against. That way, if they show up again at a later date, they will be attacked without hesitation. Yet even with memory, this response can become slower and weaker over time if the immune system remains idle. This is why certain vaccination boosters are needed periodically.
Another important lymphocyte of the immune system is called the natural-killer cell, which searches for and destroys tumor cells and cells infected with viruses. Unlike their T-cell counterparts, natural killer cells do not possess memory, yet at the same time, few of them require a previous exposure to a foreign agent to respond effectively.
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