Page 118 - The Miracle in the Immune System

116 THE MIRACLE OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

A war between the cancer cell (pink) and lymphocytes (yellow)

The macrophages, the front line warriors of the de-
fence system, surround the invader when they encoun-
ter it and destroy the cancer cells with the help of a
protein they specially produce. In addition, the T cells,
the strong and intelligent warriors of the defence sys-
tem and their exceptional weapons (antibodies) kill the
cancer cells that have begun to fuse in the body and lym-
phatic fluids by piercing the cell membrane. The struggle
will continue even as the cancer spreads. As the cancer
cells develop further, the defence cells help to inhibit
the progress of the disease, resulting in remission.
One of the systems within human cells which pre-
vent the spread of cancer cells is "apoptosis", which
causes the suicide of the cell. Apoptosis is seen when
the DNA of the cell is damaged, or a tumour develops,
or the effectiveness of the P53 gene — also known as
the "cancer preventing gene" — lessens. Though apop-
tosis may appear to be a very negative event, it is actu-
ally highly important, as it blocks such vital disorders
and prevents the disease from passing on to the next
generation. When compared to the potential danger
imposed by the cancer cells, which are likely to damage