Page 69 - The Miracle of the Immune System
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Cells on Duty in the System
In immune individuals,
killer T cells attack
and destroy cells
bearing a foreign anti-
gen, such as virus-in-
fected or cancerous
cells. These T cells
have storage vacuoles
that contain a chemi-
cal called perforin be-
cause it perforates
cell membranes.
During the killing
process, the vacuoles
in a T cell fuse with
the cell membrane
and release units of
the protein perforin.
These units combine
to form pores in the
target membrane.
Thereafter, fluid and
salts enter so that the
target cell eventually
bursts.
No, because this substance cannot freely circulate in the blood, as
this would mean the death of our own cells as well.
How then will this toxin be used without causing any harm to our
cells?
The answer to this question is hidden in the perfection of the creation
of the lymphocytes. Toxins are placed in sacs located in the cell membrane
of the lymphocytes. This helps the chemical weapon to be used easily. The
lymphocyte injects this toxin only when it contacts the enemy cell, even-
tually killing it.
The lymphocytes come in two types: B cells and T cells.
