Self And Non-Self

Every human being has the capability to recognize and accept what belongs to his own body, the 'self'', an to recognize and reject what foreign, the 'non self''.(Dakroub, 2011)

Marker of 'Self'': the HLA System 

the 'self'' is determined by a set of molecules , specific to each individual , that are expressed on the membrane of nucleated cells*. The most important ones are the proteins of the Human Leukocyte Antigen(HLA) system. They are genetically determined and called '' markers'' because they represent a''biological identity card' unique to each individual.
HLA molecules are identical on all cells of single and different from one person to another(Dakroub, 2011).

* nucleated cell: cell that has nucleus.

Retrieved November 27, 2014, from http://img.thebody.com/nih/2006/cancer2.jpg

'Non-Self''Non -Self encompasses all that is recognized by the body as being different from 'self'. It includes allergens (non-harmful substances), pathogens( microbes and their products), cells and tissues of the other individuals, but also own cells and tissues, if they are modified by an infection or a cancerous transformations*.

* Cancerous transformation: uncontrolled and abnormal divisions of a cell.The immune system is able to distinguish between ''self'' molecules, that it will tolerate, and 'non-self' molecules that is will reject. All these rejected molecules are called antigens*.

* Antigens: substance that is specially recognized by the immune system as foreign body.

Markers of the Non- Self 
.The National Cancer Institution.Retrieved November 27, 2014, from http://img.thebody.com/nih/2006/cancer3.jpg
Refercences
Dakroub, R. N. (2011). Life and Earth Sciences. Lebanon, Sin El Fil: center for educational resarch and Development, Educational Company.

Introduction

The purpose of this blog is to teach the blogger about the human immune system  The aim of this blog is to help young bloggers learn more about types of immunity the human adapt and how is the human body protected? what are the effectors of immunity and how the immune system works?

Organs of the Immune System: from AIDS.GOV, 2011)

Objective:
Part A:
1- Learn about the Immune Response
2- Differentiate between 'Self' and 'Non-Self' immune reactions.
3- Learn about the cells, molecules and organs of the immune system.
4- Identify the non-specific immune response
5- Recognize the specific immune response

Part B:
1- Learn about the methods of antimicrobial prophylaxis and therapeutics.
2- Distinguish between Vaccination and Serotherapy.

Part C:
1- Study about the immune system disorders: deficiencies of the immune system.
2- learn about the Allergies, its types and its reactions.(Dakroub, 2011)

References 

AIDS.GOV. (2011, November 22). Organs of Immune system. Retrieved from http://http://www.aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/just-diagnosed-with-hiv-aids/hiv-in-your-body/immune-system-101.

Dakroub, R. N. (2011). Life and Earth Sciences (Basic Edition, Grade Eight ed.). Lebanon, Sin El Fil: Center for Educational Resarch and Development, Educational Company.