What is an immune complex?

The

immune complex, also known as a complex of antigen-signs, occurs from the binding of antibody against antigen. Antigen is any substance that is able to cause the body to produce an antibody. Examples include toxins, microorganisms and proteins that are alien to the body. The antibody is a specific immune protein that is produced in the body due to antigen. Immune complex molecules help fight disease, but sometimes individuals form autoantibodies that attack their own tissues and cause autoimmune diseases. For example, if a person is exposed to an organism causing disease, white blood cells, also known as B cells, will cause antibodies to produce. The new molecule composed of antigen binding and antibodies is an immune complex. Macrophages in the cells of the spleen and Kupffera usually remove these molecules. Macrophages, the term designed from Greek words for large and eaters are white blood cells that are located in the tissue. This is important in providing innate and adaptive immunity. One macrophage canEat more than 100 bacteria before death. If the clusters of the immune complex are not removed by macrophages or Kupffer cells, then they continue circulation. Finally, they become imprisoned in human tissue and can cause autoimmune disorders, infections and malignancy.

Many different diseases may occur when the immune complex molecules accumulate in the bloodstream or tissues. Some that are well known include type I diabetes, Crohn's disease, psoriasis, malaria and viral hepatitis. In type I diabetes, the antigen complex and antibodies of the autoimmune destruction of beta cells producing insulin in the pancreas causes autoimmune destruction. When the molecules cause autoimmusal disease that ignite the intestines, it is known as Crohn's disease.

Guillain-Barré syndrome, Addison's disease and Sjogren syndrome are also autoimmune diseases that are less known. There are more than 80 autoimmune diseases in total.Some scientists believe that chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia may be a disease caused by the immune complex molecules that have not been effectively removed from the body.

Paradoxically, the immune complex molecules can help the body in the functioning of a healthy immune system or may cause harm. Antibody with antigen can be very useful in combating diseases or removal of toxins from the body. The healthy immune system depends on the creation of these molecules. However, if these molecules are not filtered from the body of macrophages or Kupffer cells, many different diseases may occur.