Posted: June 14th, 2023

The Impact of Stress on Immunity: Understanding Different Types of Immunities

Stress And Immunity. This assignment for this module should be a 1-2 page (not including title page and reference page) that describes the following:

What are the different types of immunities
Give an example of each type of immunity
Describe how stress impacts the immune system
You should include a minimum of 3 scholarly references. Include a title page, in-text citations, and a reference page in APA format.

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Title: The Impact of Stress on Immunity: Understanding Different Types of Immunities

Introduction:
The human immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body against various harmful pathogens. It includes different types of immunities, such as innate, adaptive, and passive immunity. However, stress can impact the immune system’s functioning, leading to various health problems. This paper aims to describe the different types of immunities, provide examples of each type, and discuss the impact of stress on the immune system.

Types of Immunities:

Innate Immunity: Innate immunity is the body’s first line of defense against pathogens. It is a non-specific defense mechanism that includes physical and chemical barriers, such as skin, mucous membranes, and acidic stomach secretions. Innate immunity also includes cells such as phagocytes, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells that can detect and eliminate harmful pathogens.

Adaptive Immunity: Adaptive immunity is a specific defense mechanism that develops after exposure to a particular pathogen. It involves the production of antibodies and the activation of T-cells that can recognize and target specific pathogens. Adaptive immunity provides long-term protection against pathogens, and its memory allows for a more rapid response to future infections.

Passive Immunity: Passive immunity is acquired through the transfer of pre-formed antibodies or immune cells from one individual to another. It provides immediate protection against pathogens but is short-lived.

Examples of Immunities:

Innate Immunity: A person’s skin, mucous membranes, and stomach acid are examples of innate immunity. If a person comes into contact with harmful pathogens, these physical and chemical barriers prevent the entry of pathogens into the body.

Adaptive Immunity: Vaccines are an example of adaptive immunity. When a person is vaccinated, their immune system is exposed to a weakened or dead pathogen. This exposure triggers the production of antibodies and T-cells that can recognize and target the pathogen in case of future infections.

Passive Immunity: A newborn baby receiving antibodies from its mother’s breast milk is an example of passive immunity. These antibodies provide immediate protection against pathogens until the baby’s immune system can develop its own immunity.

Impact of Stress on Immunity:
Stress can impact the immune system in various ways. Acute stress can enhance the immune system’s response, leading to an increase in the production of cytokines, which help fight infections. However, chronic stress can suppress the immune system’s functioning, leading to an increased risk of infections and other health problems. Chronic stress can also lead to an increase in the production of cortisol, a hormone that can suppress the immune system’s functioning.

Conclusion:
In summary, the human immune system includes different types of immunities that work together to protect the body against harmful pathogens. Stress can impact the immune system’s functioning, leading to various health problems. Therefore, it is essential to manage stress levels to maintain optimal immune system functioning.

References:

Segerstrom, S. C., & Miller, G. E. (2004). Psychological stress and the human immune system: A meta-analytic study of 30 years of inquiry. Psychological bulletin, 130(4), 601.
Abbas, A. K., Lichtman, A. H., & Pillai, S. (2021). Basic immunology: functions and disorders of the immune system. Elsevier Health Sciences.
O’Byrne, K. J., Dalgleish, A. G., & Chronic Stress Working Group. (2001). Chronic immune activation and inflammation due to environmental factors. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 15(4_suppl), 427-433.