Our immune systems are designed to recognize molecular patterns that are common in pathogens (disease-causing microorganisms) but not in our own cells.
These patterns can include specific proteins, DNA/RNA structures, and surface molecules that are unique to bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. Beneficial bacteria either lack these patterns or possess molecules that indicate they are harmless resident bacteria.
The immune system identifies these pathogen patterns through receptors and mounts an attack on anything exhibiting them. At the same time, our bodies allow beneficial bacteria to coexist by tolerating and even cooperating with microorganisms that do not have these harmful characteristics.
This article addresses the question (received via email from Keira Simmons): “How does our immune system differentiate between good and bad bacteria?”
If you have any inquiries, please contact us at: questions@sciencefocus.comor send us a message facebook, ×or Instagram Page (don’t forget to include your name and location).
Explore our fascinating fun facts More incredible science pages.
learn more:
Source: www.sciencefocus.com
