CellQuest and The Immune System
The immune system is the "Homeland Defense" against foreign attack of living organisms. It comprises white blood cells, antibodies, and other blood factors as a combined protection system. In addition to immune cells and antibodies, defense peripherals such as physical barriers (skin and organ linings) and chemical barriers (microbial and microflora) are also employed in the overall defense regimen. The first line of defense (first responders), are the macrophages and granulocytes, which react to the newly encountered invaders (pathogens). The second line of defense is provided by the lymphocytes, which adapt to repeated attacks by these pathogens in a system of "adaptive" immunity. This adaptive immune action is called upon if the first responders fail to remove the threat.
When functioning properly, the various activities of the immune system are in balance. However, illnesses caused by viruses and other modes of infection, create an imbalance. The outcome of that imbalance affects regulation of the immune system required for maintaining healthy cells. T-cell function includes the excretion of proteins by the helper cells that regulate the immune system. These helper cells (TH-1 and TH-2) need to be in delicate balance constantly, for the body to remain healthy. As a result of invasion by agents of infection, the immune system alternatively requires either enhancement or suppression of specific active components, thereby ensuring a correct regulation or modulation of the system. A reduction in TH-1 immune chemicals (lymphokines) will allow an over production of TH-2 cells, whose chemicals stimulate the production of too many B cells (antibodies). This results in an auto-immune reaction where the body may be attacked by its own defense system. The desired function of immune system support supplements such as CellQuest is that of regulation.
Antioxidants feature largely in the immune system to protect cells from the ravages of free radicals, while other compounds function as regulators normalizing extremes in activity caused by disease. Regulation involves stimulation when required through the production of a wide range of cytokines (small secreted proteins which mediate immunity and inflammation). Some compounds both stimulate and support the immune system.
CellQuest's natural ingredients including polyphenols, polysaccarides, metabolites and plant sterols are suspected to assist in the normalizing and regulation process as well as to support the immune system.
