Immuunitekijöiden

Immuunitekijät are biological molecules that play a crucial role in the immune system. They are a diverse group of substances, including proteins, peptides, and sometimes even lipids or carbohydrates, that are produced by immune cells or other cells in the body. Their primary function is to mediate communication between different cells of the immune system, coordinating the body's defense against pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, as well as abnormal cells like cancer cells.

These molecules are often released by cells in response to a threat or signal. They can act in various ways. Some immuunitekijät, like cytokines, can stimulate the growth and proliferation of immune cells, directing them to the site of infection or inflammation. Others can inhibit immune responses, helping to prevent the immune system from attacking the body's own tissues (autoimmunity) or from overreacting to harmless substances (allergies).

The precise type and function of immuunitekijät are highly specific. For instance, chemokines are a class of immuunitekijät that act as chemoattractants, guiding immune cells to particular locations. Antibodies, another critical type, are proteins produced by B cells that can directly bind to and neutralize pathogens or mark them for destruction by other immune cells. Understanding immuunitekijät is fundamental to comprehending how the immune system functions and is essential for developing treatments for various diseases, including infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and cancer.