Immune complexes form when an antibody binds to an antigen, which can help fight disease but can also cause autoimmune disorders if not removed by macrophages or Kupffer cells. Many diseases can occur when immune complex molecules build up, including autoimmune diseases and infections.
The immune complex, also known as an antigen-antibody complex, occurs from the binding of an antibody to an antigen. An antigen is any substance that can cause the body to produce an antibody. Examples include toxins, microorganisms, and proteins that are foreign to the body. An antibody is a specific immune protein produced in the body as a result of the antigen. Immune complex molecules help fight disease, but sometimes individuals form autoantibodies that attack a person’s tissues and cause autoimmune disease.
Antigen and antibody binding is an important part of a healthy immune system. For example, if a person is exposed to a pathogenic organism, white blood cells, also known as B cells, will cause an antibody to be produced. The new molecule composed of the binding of an antigen and an antibody is an immune complex. Usually, macrophages in the spleen and Kupffer cells in the liver remove these molecules. Macrophages, a compound term from the Greek words for big and eater, are white blood cells that reside within tissues.
Phagocytes, or macrophages, consume and digest immune complex molecules. This is important for providing both innate and adaptive immunity. A macrophage can eat more than 100 bacteria before dying. If the immune complex clusters are not removed by macrophages or Kupffer cells, they continue to circulate. Eventually, they become trapped in human tissue and can cause autoimmune disorders, infections and malignancies.
Many different diseases can occur when immune complex molecules build up 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-antibody complex causes autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. When the molecules cause an autoimmune disease that inflames the intestines, it is called Crohn’s disease.
Guillain-Barré syndrome, Addison’s disease and Sjogren’s syndrome are also lesser known autoimmune diseases. Overall, there are more than 80 autoimmune diseases. Some researchers believe that chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia may be diseases caused by immune complex molecules that have not been effectively removed from the body.
Paradoxically, immune complex molecules can either aid the body in the functioning of a healthy immune system or they can cause harm. An antibody binding to an antigen can be extremely helpful in fighting disease or removing toxins from the body. A healthy immune system depends on the formation of these molecules. If, however, these molecules are not filtered out of the body by macrophages or Kupffer cells, many different diseases can occur.
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