In a recent blog, I explained what each type of white blood cell does. That blog is provided below (yellow highlight).
Based on that evaluation, one could conclude that parasites play a small role in overall health because our immune system produces very few white blood cells that target parasites.
However, white blood cells do not explain total immunity. Immunoglobulins play a role too!
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AI gives us a starting point to determine the difference between these 2 types of immune components.
"Immunoglobulins (antibodies) and white blood cells are both crucial for the immune system, but they play distinct roles. While white blood cells are the "soldiers" that patrol and attack invaders, immunoglobulins are the "specialized weapons" that target and neutralize specific threats."
Translation: White blood cells change (in blood) upon sensing any pathogen. Immunoglobulins may or may not change depending upon the specific nature of the "insult."
Immunoglobulin G (IgG)
An immunoglobulin G (IgG) test measures the levels of IgG antibodies in your blood, which are crucial for fighting infections from bacteria and viruses, and can help determine immunity to certain infections or diagnose conditions like immunodeficiencies.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
What it tests for:
The primary purpose of an IgG test is to assess the amount of IgG antibodies present in your blood. IgG is the most common type of antibody in the body and plays a vital role in the immune system's defense against various pathogens.
Why it's ordered:
Doctors may order an IgG test for several reasons:
To check for infections: High IgG levels can indicate a past or current infection, while low levels might suggest an increased risk of infections.
To determine immunity: IgG levels can show if you've been previously exposed to a specific pathogen and developed immunity to it.
To diagnose immunodeficiencies: Low IgG levels can be a sign of an underlying immune system disorder.
To evaluate autoimmune conditions: In some autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, and IgG levels can be elevated in these cases.
Note, many doctors will tell you that IgG is elevated only from a past infection. This is seldom - if ever - true. If IgG of any type is elevated, you most likely have a chronic infection and the manifestation of a chronic condition! PERIOD!
Here is a statement from
"IgG only provides temporary protection, typically for 1-4 weeks. Most antibodies, whether produced by the individual’s immune system or given in the form of Ig replacement, are used up by the body and must be constantly replenished. Repeat doses of Ig are required at regular intervals to provide those with antibody deficiencies with high enough Ig levels to ward off infection."
Here is how long antibodies against influenza last.
"Antibodies against influenza, induced by either natural infection or vaccination, are long-lived, potentially lasting for decades, but can wane over time, especially against different strains of the virus."
Notice, they did NOT say that they last a lifetime. For example, if you test positive (IgG) for EBV and you are 60 years old, there is a VERY GOOD CHANCE this reflects a CURRENT chronic EBV infection.
"Waning Immunity:
While the immunity can be long-lasting, antibody titers (levels of antibodies) can decrease over time, especially against influenza strains that differ significantly from those previously encountered."
"Another major challenge to studying immunological memory is the potential of a host’s pathogen-specific memory response to wane over time. This plasticity allows the immune system to modify its memory response as it encounters various pathogens—each with a unique antigenic fingerprint—enabling effective protection against known and emerging pathogens. However, such flexibility also makes it difficult to predict how long protective immunity established by memory cells will last.
Immunoglobulin E (IgE)
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a type of antibody that plays a crucial role in the body's immune response, particularly in allergic reactions, parasitic infections, AND VENOMS by triggering the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators.
Here's a more detailed explanation of what IgE does:
Allergic Reactions:
IgE is produced in response to allergens, substances that the immune system mistakenly identifies as harmful.
When IgE binds to allergens, it triggers the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators from mast cells and basophils, leading to symptoms like itching, hives, sneezing, and difficulty breathing.
IgE is involved in various allergic conditions, including allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma, atopic dermatitis (eczema), and food allergies.
Parasitic Infections:
IgE also plays a role in the body's defense against parasitic infections.
It helps to activate immune cells to eliminate parasites, particularly worms.
Mechanism of Action:
IgE antibodies bind to mast cells and basophils through high-affinity receptors (FcεRI).
When an allergen binds to the IgE antibody, it causes the mast cells and basophils to release inflammatory mediators, such as histamine, leading to allergic symptoms.
Testing:
IgE levels can be measured in the blood to help diagnose allergies and other conditions.
Allergy blood tests measure the amount of IgE antibodies in the blood, which can help identify specific allergens that trigger allergic reactions.
Some key statements from this article:
Host defense against parasites has long been considered the only beneficial function that might be conferred by IgE and mast cells. No immune cell has absolute specificity but IgE is an excellent marker for parasitic infections.
Host responses to intestinal nematode infections are typically characterized by Th2 immunity [18–23], with elevated levels of parasite antigen-specific and nonspecific IgE, tissue and blood eosinophilia (and sometimes increased numbers of basophils), and intestinal pathology, including crypt hyperplasia, goblet cell hyperplasia, and mucosal MC (MMC) hyperplasia [18, 19, 23]. Data from epidemiological studies suggest a protective role of IgE antibodies in infections with certain parasites in humans, as the levels of parasite-specific IgE and resistance to infection correlate positively [24–26].
Intrinsically toxic molecules, such as components of animal venoms, represent an obvious danger for the host, and IgE-associated allergic reactions against a variety of venoms have been reported [135–140]. Some of them, for instance those against components of the venoms of hymenoptera like the honeybee or the yellow jacket, have a high prevalence [141], whereas fewer cases of allergic reactions to components of snake or jellyfish venoms, have been reported [136, 142], perhaps because of lower rates of exposure to such toxins.
IgA and IgM will be covered in a subsequent blog post.
PREVIOUS BLOG ON WHITE BLOOD CELLS
Have you ever wondered why our blood's 5 types of white blood cells are at such different concentrations?
Let's look at the standard levels in healthy people:
Neutrophils: 53%
Lymphocytes: 40%
Monocytes: 4%
Eosinophils: 2%
Basophils: 1%
The above values yield an NLR = 1.3 for those who understand the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. When white blood cell counts are evaluated based on early mortality, markers at this level are optimal. Research data indicates that people with these levels live the longest, all other things being approximately equal.
HERE IS MY CONSIDERATIONS.
Be aware that I cannot find any literature that studies explicitly how white blood cells react to types of pathogens. That is, to what percentage are they specific to given types of pathogens? Therefore, my conclusion is based on the following:
Neutrophils are specific to bacterial infections.
Lymphocytes respond to bacterial and viral species at approximately equal ratios.
Monocytes capture and neutralize larger "things" like the spike protein and parasites.
Basophils and Eosinophils split their activity between allergens and parasites.
Assuming their concentrations in blood reflect that level of the type of pathogen they combat, this is where our immune system places emphasis:
Bacteria: 53% (from neutrophils) and 20% (half of the lymphocyte level) = 73%
Viruses: (half of the lymphocyte level) = 20%
Parasites: 4% from monocytes and 1.5% from the sum of Eosinophils and Basophils.
HERE ARE MY CONCLUSIONS.
Our primary immunity—white blood cells—allocates 3/4th of their effort to fighting bacterial infections. Therefore, bacterial infections are the primary type of pathogen impacting our health. Why else would our immune system act in that way?
Viruses constitute ~20% of the harm that impacts human health.
Parasites have a low impact on human health at ~2% compared to viruses and bacteria.
Therefore, we should be concerned about pathogens as follows:
Bacterial infections: 74%
Viral infections: 21%
Parasitic infections: 5%
YOUR BLOOD DOESN'T LIE!
This is based on white blood cells only and does not consider immunoglobulins and other components of immunity. However, white blood cells are primary.
Now, let's explore some interesting historical/evolutionary facts.
Question 1: What do the various white blood cells do?
Neutrophils: The main job is to fight bacterial infections.
According to the NIH, neutrophils are a type of white blood cell (leukocyte) that are a critical part of the immune system, specifically acting as the first responders to infections by ingesting and destroying microorganisms through phagocytosis and releasing enzymes. The main type of pathogen they fight is bacteria. Many sites, including many governmental sites, indicate that this type of white blood cell also fights fungal infections. That may be the case. However, antibiotic therapy that targets bacteria mainly often improves (lower) neutrophil blood levels in the direction of the above mentioned optimal level.
Here is a comprehensive reference of neutrophils.
Excerpt from the article: Neutrophils, also known as polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes, are the most abundant cell type in human blood. They are produced in the bone marrow in large numbers, ~1011 cells per day. Under homeostatic conditions, neutrophils enter the circulation, migrate to tissues, where they complete their functions, and finally are eliminated by macrophages, all in the lapse of a day. Neutrophils are important effector cells in the innate arm of the immune system (Mayadas et al., 2014). They constantly patrol the organism for signs of microbial infections, and when found, these cells quickly respond to trap and kill the invading pathogens. Three main antimicrobial functions are recognized for neutrophils: phagocytosis, degranulation, and the release of nuclear material in the form of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs)
Lymphocytes: The main job is to support neutrophils by fighting viral and bacterial infections.
Lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, play a crucial role in the immune system, fighting bacteria and viruses, with B cells producing antibodies and T cells directly targeting and destroying infected cells. There are two main types of lymphocytes:
B cells (B lymphocytes): These cells produce antibodies, which are proteins that target and neutralize specific pathogens, including bacteria and viruses.
T cells (T lymphocytes): These cells directly attack and destroy infected cells, including those infected with viruses or bacteria.
Even though antibodies are not probably the chief control process in parasitic infections with intracellular phases, they increase in response to all protozoal infections such as Leishmania, Trypanosoma cruzi, Toxoplasma gondii, and Plasmodium.
Monocytes: The main job is to fight fungal and protozoal infections.
Monocytes originate from progenitors in the bone marrow and traffic via the bloodstream to peripheral tissues. During homeostasis and inflammation, circulating monocytes leave the bloodstream and migrate into tissues where, following conditioning by local growth factors, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and microbial products, they differentiate into macrophage or dendritic cell populations. Recruitment of monocytes is essential for effectively controlling and clearing viral, bacterial, fungal, and protozoal infections.
Studies of these different diseases have revealed the remarkable multipotency of monocytes in different inflammatory environments. The ability of monocytes to mobilize and traffic to where they are needed is central to their functions in promoting immune defense during infection and driving inflammatory diseases. This review focuses on the mechanisms that allow monocytes to traffic from their site of origin — the bone marrow — to distinct tissue sites.
Monocytes were often elevated during COVID-19 due to the SARS and/or the spike protein.
Basophils: The main job is to fight fungal and protozoal infections.
Basophils are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune system. Basophils are essential for regulating allergic reactions, supporting immune responses, defending against parasites, and maintaining blood clotting.
Their primary functions include:
1. Allergic Reactions:
Basophils contain granules filled with histamine, heparin, and other chemicals.
When exposed to allergens, basophils release these granules, leading to symptoms such as swelling, redness, itching, and mucus production.
2. Immune Regulation:
Basophils help regulate the immune response by releasing cytokines, which are signaling molecules that influence the activity of other immune cells.
They promote the development of Th2 (helper T cell 2) cells, which are involved in allergic reactions and anti-parasitic immunity.
3. Anti-parasitic Defense:
Basophils play a role in defending the body against parasites.
They release chemicals that attract and activate other immune cells to fight parasites.
4. Blood Clotting:
Heparin, contained in basophil granules, acts as an anticoagulant, preventing excessive blood clotting.
5. Wound Healing:
Basophils release factors that promote wound healing by attracting fibroblasts, which produce collagen.
Eosinophils: The main job is to fight fungal and protozoal infections.
Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in the body's response to parasites and allergic reactions, contributing to inflammation and potentially damaging tissue.
Eosinophils and Parasites:
Eosinophils are known for targeting and killing parasitic worms (helminths). They do this by binding to the parasites, releasing toxic substances, and contributing to inflammation at the site of infection.
Eosinophils and Allergies:
During allergic reactions, eosinophils are also recruited to the affected tissues, contributing to the inflammatory response. They release substances that can cause tissue damage and contribute to the symptoms of allergies.
While primarily known for their roles in parasitic infections and allergies, eosinophils also play a role in other immune responses, including fighting bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Immunoglobulins:
Immunoglobulins are included in this discussion because of their action against parasitic infections.
A hallmark of the immune response to parasite infection is immunoglobulin (Ig) E binding to Fc receptors on the surface of mast cells and basophils, leading to degranulation and secretion of inflammatory mediators [58,124,125]. This interaction, which bridges antigen-specific and innate immunity, is primarily mediated by the high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) constitutively expressed on mast cells and basophils [58,111,124–126].
Question 2: What came first, white blood cells or organisms that these cells manage?
Bacteria, as the earliest form of life on Earth, came before humans, with evidence suggesting their existence around 3.5 billion years ago. In contrast, humans evolved much later, with modern humans originating in Africa within the past 200,000 years.
Viruses likely predated humans, possibly existing as self-replicating entities in the pre-cellular world, with some scientists proposing they could even be older than the first cells.
Ancient Origins:
Scientists believe viruses are at least as old as the first cells, which emerged around 4 billion years ago. Some theories suggest viruses could have existed even earlier, in a pre-cellular world, as self-replicating entities that later evolved into forms that parasitize cells.
Viral Evolution:
Over time, these early replicative entities may have evolved into more complex structures and gained the ability to infect cells, eventually leading to the viruses we know today.
Human Evolution:
Humans, as a species, evolved much later, with the oldest evidence of early humans dating back millions of years, but not billions.
Viral Genetic Material in Human DNA:
It's also worth noting that viral genetic material is embedded in our own DNA, constituting close to 10% of the human genome.
Protozoa evolved and existed long before humans, with protozoa appearing in the Precambrian era and humans evolving much later.
Protozoa:
These are single-celled eukaryotic organisms, a group that includes organisms like amoebas and paramecia. They are considered a subkingdom of the kingdom Protista, though, in the classical system, they were placed in the kingdom Animalia.
Fungi:
Fungi existed before humans, with evidence suggesting their emergence around 1 billion years ago, while the earliest evidence for humans dates back to 6-2 million years ago.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Fungi:
Fossil and DNA evidence indicate that fungi emerged at least a billion years ago.
Humans:
The earliest evidence of humans, including fossils of early humans, dates back to 6-2 million years ago, with modern humans originating in Africa within the past 200,000 years.
The key difference between protozoa and fungi is that protozoa are unicellular eukaryotic organisms, while fungi are primarily multicellular eukaryotic organisms.
Mold, as a type of fungus, predates humans, having existed on Earth for millions of years, while humans evolved relatively recently.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Mold's Origins:
Molds are a type of fungus and have been around for millions of years, playing a vital role in decomposition and nutrient cycling in ecosystems.
Human Evolution:
Humans, as a species, are relatively recent evolutionary developments. Our closest living relatives, the great apes (chimpanzees and bonobos), share a common ancestor with us that lived about 5-7 million years ago.
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