Understand the Immune System
Avoiding what is "walking around" is more than just avoiding bacteria. It requires a balanced and strong immune system. Redox Signaling molecules provide resources to prepare our system for what might happen.
Smart Cells
No organ system in the human body is as closely linked to the brain as the immune system. Because white blood cells actually contain the same neuropeptides as neuropeptides found in brain cells, the fact that they "think" like brain cells have launched a whole new area of research-psychoneuroimmunology.
The messenger molecules used by the immune system to transmit information are redox molecules, which transmit information hundreds of millions of times per second in the body and throughout the body. This information is used by cells to defend, investigate and redirect our various immune cells as they interpret information from foreign invaders, sick cells or cancer cells.
Inflammation
We know that inflammation is a bad thing, but inflammation is necessary for healing, but it must be turned off afterwards. The immune system relies on it to protect us from dangerous organisms. When an antigen is detected, redox molecules trigger a series of chemical reactions that lead to an inflammatory response-the first part of the healing process. No molecules, no inflammation, and therefore no ability to signal to activate our regulatory genes. This critical step leads to the release of proteins and other immune mediators and makes aggressive behaviour fully active.
Just as redox signals play an important role in strategically directing attacks, so are redox signals that are responsible for down-regulating attacks and eventually clearing up-we call this the healing process. It's all directed by our genius of redox biochemistry. We take this for granted until we lose this equipment due to illness or chemical poisoning.
The Immune Signal
Every invader needs a specific immune response. For example, an allergen triggers a redox reaction different from a virus, so it needs a very clear signal to produce the correct response. Signal errors can be life-threatening. Thankfully, if proper monitoring is not available on the front line, our system has backup plans and methods to adjust chemical reactions.
What we call the White Blood Cell Sentinel has various names and functions. They have one thing in common, and they need continuous monitoring and oversight capabilities to help us maintain a balance. The first line of alert for this wonderful system is a simple redox molecule that triggers large or small inflammation based on the job at hand.
The Immune Response
Adaptation genes turn on and off, drive our immune response, and help us adjust our biology to changing environments-they are sensitive to redox. RSM also activates antioxidants, helping to correct oxidative stress associated with inflammation. Maintaining healthy cells can produce these tiny motive molecules and lead to a balanced and proper immune response.