stress in illness

• what is immunosuppression 


  the suppression and reduction of the immune system response
• the HPA system shows that the immune system can be weakened if suffering prolonged stress
• what does the immune system defend against

  viral or bacterial attack
• white blood cells are called

  lymphocytes
• 2 classes of lymphocytes

  T and B
• B cells

  mature in the bone marrow

  responsible for antibody based blood stream immunity
• attacks invaders outside the cells

  B
• attacks invaders inside the cells

  T
• T cells

  help B cells perform their functions

  come in 2 different forms
• two forms of T cells


  killer T

  memory T
• killer T cells

  seek out and destroy cells infected with antigens such as viruses and bacteria
• memory T cells

  have a system that remembers the chemical characteristics of antigens
• natural killer cells

  can provide natural immunity

  can attack any cell perceived as a threat

  don’t need activation to attack

  attack quicker than T cells
• stress response hormones affect the immune system:

  cortisol reduces body’s immune system

  corticosteroids can prevent growth of T cells

  physiological changes during stress reactions direct resources away from the immune system making it function less effectively