For the Lazy:Quote:
So, no, you cannot just transplant someone's T-cells / antibodies into another person without causing damage.
For the Interested:The immune system is activated by ANTIGENS - these are small protein molecules displayed by all cellular structures. These protein strings are unique to individuals, be it bacterial cells or human cells. For example, my antigenic protein string is slightly different from Oni's, who's is slightly different from Sylphi's and so on.
T cells and B cells are both major classes of lymphocytes - a type of white blood cell found in the human blood stream. T cells are critical immne system cells that help co-ordinate overall immune response (T-helper cells) or assist in destroying infected cells (T-killer cells). Both types of T cells have a molecule on the surface called the T-cell receptor, which interacts with MHC molecules. The MHC molecules - basically - hold out the antigen protein fragments for T-cells to bind and check for recognisation.
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There are five main antibody types:
As Sylphi mentioned, some antibodies can transfer between persons via colostrum (breastmilk). This is (if I can remember correctly) the IgG antibody... which really isn't much good for adult immune response, but is enough to kickstart immune response in babies. IgG is also the only antibody which can bind to specialised receptors on placental cells for foetal circulation.
The major antibodies are IgM and IgA, as these are best for agglutination and creating large surface area molecules around the foreign cell (bacteria, maybe). IgE is also good at agglutination, however has the problematic effect of causing histamine release. Some of you IPG members might know this better as an allergic response. This is because IgE is important in parasite immunity - dust mites, etcetera.
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Now, that's the explanation on
basic immunology concepts. There's more, but it's unimportant to the question at hand.
If individuals display unique protein arrangement strings from the MHC molecule on cell surfaces, T-cells will recognise which is a good cell and which is a foreign cell. That's how it works for normal infection.
Reversing this, the donor's T-cells will not recognise the recipient's protein strings on the MHC molecule and will induce antibody response. This will invariably lead to Auto-Immune Disease, where the body attacks one's own organs and cells. It's the biggest hurdle that we face in terms of organ transplants, currently.
So, no, you cannot just transplant someone's T-cells / antibodies into another person without causing damage.