Immune proteins play a crucial role in defending the body against harmful substances, germs, and cellular changes that can cause illness. Their functions are diverse and essential for maintaining health.
Key Functions of Immune Proteins
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Defense against pathogens: Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, are a prime example. They directly bind to specific antigens (foreign substances) on pathogens like bacteria and viruses. This binding can neutralize the pathogen by blocking its ability to infect host cells. [Reference: Antibodies or immunoglobulin provide an immune defense to the body from antigens. Antibodies bind to specific antigens on pathogens; this binding can inhibit pathogen infectivity by blocking key extracellular sites, such as receptors involved in host cell entry.]
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Cellular communication: Cytokines are immune proteins that act as chemical messengers. They coordinate the immune response by directing immune cells to specific locations and instructing them on what actions to take. Different types of cytokines perform various tasks. [Reference: These proteins serve as chemical messengers that tell your immune cells where to go and what to do. Different types of cytokines do different specific tasks...]
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Protein synthesis and immune response: Optimal immune responses require significant protein synthesis, folding, modification, and trafficking within immune cells. Amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, are essential for this process. A deficiency in dietary protein or amino acids can impair immune function. [References: Initiating and maintaining optimal immune responses requires high levels of protein synthesis, folding, modification and trafficking in...; A deficiency of dietary protein or amino acids has long been known to impair immune function and increase the susceptibility of animals and humans to...]
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Immune regulation: Checkpoint proteins, such as PD-L1 and PD-1, help regulate immune responses. They prevent the immune system from overreacting and damaging healthy tissues. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a type of cancer therapy that targets these proteins to boost the immune system's ability to fight tumors. [Reference: Checkpoint proteins, such as PD-L1 on tumor cells and PD-1 on T cells, help keep immune responses in check. The binding of PD-L1 to PD-1...]
Importance of Dietary Protein for Immune Function
Adequate dietary protein intake is crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system. Proteins provide the necessary amino acids for the synthesis of various immune proteins, ensuring the proper functioning of the immune response. Dietary protein quality also influences immune function. [References: Proteins represent important macronutrients for the immune system, considering that amino acids are essential for the synthesis of immune proteins, including...; Dietary proteinâquality influences melanization and immune function...]
Consequences of Immune Protein Dysfunction
Defects in immune proteins can lead to primary immunodeficiency (PI) disorders. These disorders result from inherent defects in the cells and proteins of the immune system, leaving individuals vulnerable to infections. [Reference: Primary immunodeficiency, or PI, are a group of disorders caused by defects in immune function that are inherent to the cells and proteins of the immune system.]
