The Immune System / What is The Immune System?

submitted by Dr. Gary Farr Last Updated June, 20, 2002

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Scientists have long sought the hematopoietic stem cell, the precursor cell that continuously replenishes the body's entire panoply of blood cells, both red and white. Stem cells represent a small portion of all bone marrow cells (perhaps one in 2,000), and they are even rarer in the bloodstream. In the mouse, implanting just a few purified stem cells can completely restore an immune system that has been experimentally destroyed.

Although the human stem cell has yet to be isolated and purified, scientists have discovered that progenitor cells capable of giving rise to an array of blood cells (if not of actually reproducing themselves) carry the cell surface marker CD34. These cells can be sorted out from marrow and blood with monoclonal antibodies that recognize CD34. In experimental programs, CD34 cells are being tested as long-lived vehicles for gene therapy and as an alternative to bone marrow transplants.

Research into the delicate and complex checks and balances that regulate the immune response is increasing knowledge of normal and abnormal immune functions. Someday it may be possible to treat diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus by suppressing parts of the immune system that are overactive and stimulating those that are underactive. Blocking a mechanism such as co-stimulation, by paralyzing T cell responses, may make it possible to prevent graft rejection or to sideline autoimmune diseases, while boosting co-stimulation might help the body rid itself of cells that are infected or cancerous.

Our Immune Support Products Today, our immune system is under a lot of pressure from stress, environmental pollution, poor eating habits and lack of sleep and exercise. There are many ways to protect ourselves and our immune system from seasonal challenges. One of those ways is through nutrition. Standard Process offers many products that will help support our immune system from the stresses of modern life and changing seasons.

Echinacea- C is the newest addition to our immune building line. Echinacea supports the immune system by enhancing the ability of various types of white blood cells to engulf microscopic invaders. Vitamin C is well- known for its role in maintaining strong immune function and is an important antioxidant.*

Immuplex ® supports the entire immune system by nourishing each of the organs and tissue systems that work together in the body ’s immune alliance. Immuplex contains thymus PMG™ extract and zinc for thymus support and white blood cell production; selenium, a constituent of three important antioxidant enzymes; vitamin B6 , an essential component of two key immune system substances and vitamin C for normal immune maintenance.*

Congaplex ® contains a Cytosol™ extract of the thymus gland, the core of the immune system. Such extracts contain the gland ’s steroid and hormone precursors, enzymes, co-enzymes and synergistic co-factors produced b the cell. The main purpose of these aqueous tissue extracts is to support the patients ’hormone-dependent tissue functions until the tissue is able to do so itself.*

Calcium Lactate is one of the most bioavailable forms of this crucial element, the most abundant mineral in the human body. The calcium lactate in this product is derived from a pure- vegetable source of calcium. We use it here for its role in phagocytosis, the ingestion of foreign bodies b white blood cells. Calcium also supports the immune system in various ways. It helps maintain protective intestinal flora, acid-base balance, activation of enzyme reactions and hormone secretions and maintenance and function of cell membranes and membrane permeability.*

Cataplex ®F Tablets contain flaxseed oil and calcium lactate to support the immune system at a cellular level. Omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed oil are necessary for healthy cell membranes and to transport calcium lactate into white blood cells, where it is used to support cell motility and phagocytosis.*

Thymex ® helps to kick-start the thymus gland, the center of the immune system, when antibody production is needed. The thymus is the key immune gland, especially in the newborn infant and younger individual. It preprocesses T-lymphocytes after their origination and migration from the bone marrow. In the thymus the cells divide rapidly and develop diversity for reacting against different specific antigens.*

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