Cell Wars Blog
Immunity’s 3rd Line of Defense
Mask + Social Distancing + Hand washing + Ventilation + Innate Immunity = No Virus
The innate immunity is the part of our immune response we have at birth. Innate immunity does not require prior exposure by infection or vaccination. Innate immunity includes the exterior barrier first line of defense and the interior second line of defense. The innate exterior first line of defense barriers includes the skin and the mucous membranes. The innate interior second line of defense includes phagocytic white blood cells (devouring WBC) and natural killer white blood cells (NK). For innate defense against viruses the NK cells and a chemical messenger called interferon are very important. Both NK cells and interferon are discusses in a previous post.
Failure of innate immunity signals the 3rd Line of Defense.
If the innate immunity’s first and second line of defense fail, then the pathogen’s invasion has breached all of the innate defenses. The third line of defense is signaled to respond with a counterattack. The third line of defense is a learned response. It requires training that is acquired by infection or vaccination. The cells receiving training are a special type of WBC called lymphocytes. The pathogen is brought to base camp (such as lymph nodes) and the new lymphocyte recruits are trained to respond to this specific pathogen. This training typically takes 5-10 days. During this time the patient will be sick and may have symptoms.
The counterattacking lymphocytes involved in the 3rd line of defense include B and T lymphocytes. The B lymphocytes are trained to produce antibodies that specifically bind to the pathogen. In viral infections, if the antibody binds to the virus particle PRIOR to the virus subversively entering a host cell the antibody can neutralize the virus. Special Forces of T lymphocytes called Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte (CTL) are trained assassins that directly kill cells infected with the virus.
These specifically trained lymphocytes, both B and T, produce clones of themselves. These cloned cells have the same abilities as the parent lymphocytes. This army of B and T cells attacks the pathogen and clears it from the patient. The patient will notice a decrease in symptoms and begin to feel better. The majority of this cloned army is short-lived and once the infection is cleared these cells die. However, a small portion of this highly trained experienced army remains behind as memory B and T cells that become part of the surveillance system looking for that pathogen if it dares to return.
The 3rd Line of Defense
- Is not present at birth
- It is not needed if the innate immunity is successful
- It is a learned response that takes 5-10 days (typically)
- It produces memory (that may last weeks to years)
- It is specific and will only recognize the exact same pathogen (if virus mutates it is not recognized)
The “Chalk Talk” Video below explains the 3rd Line of Defense
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Why I Created This Blog
Prior to getting a PhD I worked as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) in diagnostic and research labs.
I am very familiar with viruses and have been teaching a course in Emerging Pathogens for many years. In fact I had been warning my students that it was not IF we would have a world-wide pandemic but WHEN!
Well, WHEN is NOW!
My objective with this Blog is to take the scientific recommendations regarding this virus and translate them into language that anyone can understand and use to stay safe and stay healthy.
I will be posting as much as possible as I am still a full time professor teaching from home. Facebook has been my way of reaching students, friends and family but I need to get the message out to a wider audience.
My Blog is called “Cell Wars” because we are in a battle against a very tough virus. It is a war that we need to fight on many fronts and getting good, truthful information is one of the most important ways to stay safe and healthy.
This is also a battle against disinformation and conspiracy theories. The problem we have as a nation is that we are so divided that we tend to only listen to like minded groups of people. These are called “echo chambers” and they have existed for many years. It is not just Social Media that has caused this problem but it can sure spread bad information so much faster than in the past.
So please read my posts, ask questions, post comments and by all means take the time to do your own research and check out anything you hear about this virus and how it is spread.
If you doubt anything that you see on social media sites, the mainstream media or word of mouth, go to sites like Snopes.com.
Here is a link to a great article that lists many of the best fact checking sites on the web:
https://guides.stlcc.edu/fakenews/factchecking.
Thank you again for taking the time to check out my new Blog and stay tuned for many posts to come soon…
Dr. Debbie Fox
Viruses can be either DNA or RNA wrapped in a protein coat. They are particles, not cells. They need to be inside of a cell to replicate. Wearing masks, social distancing, and washing our hands can greatly slow down the spread of this virus, while also making it more difficult to mutate, which may lead to advantages, disadvantages or something neutral.
“Stop that Virus”
Coronavirus can spread by respiratory droplets. The droplet exits the human body, whether through, talking, breathing, sneezing and then there are particles within those droplets that may contain the virus. Thus, exposing others to the virus. Masks work because it provides a barrier that makes it hard to spread respiratory droplets. A decrease in the amount of virus in respiratory droplets that one it exposed to will make it more difficult to make it past ones immune system and into cells.
“Herd Immunity”
Herd immunity is when a certain percent of the population has immunity to a pathogen and this immunity protects susceptible members from contracting the pathogen. This is great for people that are immunosuppressed or are unable to get the vaccine, which is why people who is able to get a vaccine, should, to protect our vulnerable populations. 60% is what has been determined to be the HIT needed for COVID-19.
During the first defense you talked about key important things everyone can do to control the virus. Although we can control the virus by following these simple things such as masks, social distancing and washing our hands it is hard to get everyone to follow these specific things. During the 3rd defense,I learned a lot about T and B cells. One specific thing these cells are special forces. B cells is stands for b lymphocytes and the t cell stands for t lymphocyte. These cells fight to protect us from the infection. B lymphocytes can help infected cells but they have receptors that recognize the virus. While one B lymphocytes cannot fight the virus by itself it needs to clone to produce an army. After they clone and make an army they can then produce antibodies. After the antibodies can specifically bind to the virus.
“Stop that Virus”
I found this blog very persuasive and effective in the teaching of the importance of wearing face masks. I love your at-home experiment demonstrating the effectiveness of masks. In order to stop the spread of the virus, everyone needs to wear masks and practice social distancing.
I did not know that the RNA wraps itself in a protein coat that is wrapped in other proteins that have spikes. It is crazy to think how fast this happens as well, with no way of stopping it. Sometimes the lymphocytes train themselves to protect from the virus.
With the Covid 19 virus, wearing a mask, social distancing, and washing your hands frequently will stop the spread. These should be common things that we should be already participating in daily, but they are not. We don’t realize how fast germs spread if we don’t keep our distance at gathers or wash our hands before and after touching something.
I always heard people say that a vaccine was dead virus cells. If a virus cannot live without a host, wouldn’t that imply that it is alive? Or is it just inert without a healthy cell?
the visual aid was very helpful. I am a visual learning and the different images and drawings made it easier for me to learn it
your explanation of the differences between B cell and T cell when explaining lymphocytes was very helpful
The idea that the transmission of a virus can be blocked makes me think of wearing a mask. Due to our current pandemic, masks have been mandated for almost a year now, and it makes me think about how many lives have been saved because of them. Because we have been able to block the transmission of the virus by wearing face masks, it has prevented the spread of COVID-19 through droplets from the mouth and nose and potentially saved millions of lives.
“Stop that Virus”: I never even realized that the reason healthcare workers typically wear more than one mask is because they are in an environment with higher exposure to the virus. I always assumed it was just out of paranoia and for greater protection, but there wasn’t actually any need for it. The experiment performed to prove that wearing masks prevents the spread of viruses is so simple and clear, yet there are still many people who disregard masks and their effectiveness. Because of this, there are many more people being exposed to the virus and it is spreading much faster.
“Herd Immunity”: The logic behind Herd Immunity is very interesting. It makes sense that a group of people who lack immunity to a particular disease would be protected by a larger group of people who are immune. Hopefully this can be reached in our current pandemic, as numbers in Mobile are rising dramatically. I also remember hearing about the drastic rise in measles infections, and I find that so frustrating! We have so much research on diseases, yet people are still refusing to vaccinate their children, resulting in many more unnecessary deaths.
“Immunity’s 1st Line of Defense”: The human body never ceases to amaze me! I find it so interesting that we are born with innate immunity and already have a defense system without any prior exposure. It’s very fascinating how each line of defense works together to destroy a virus, and if one barrier fails, the other two will continue to fight against it.
Is COVID-19 the Same as the Flu?”: While COVID-19 has very similar symptoms to the seasonal flu, COVID is much more serious, yet many people still believe they are on the same level of severity. At first, I didn’t think there was much of a difference in their basic reproduction numbers, but after seeing a diagram, COVID spreads much faster and affects many more people.
“Immunity’s 2nd Line of Defense”: All of the recommendations for lowering the dose of virus that gets past the barrier defenses in our body are all currently being used in the COVID-19 pandemic. Wearing a mask, staying 6 feet apart, washing your hands, and keeping indoor spaces ventilated are the most common and important methods of preventing disease. That way, even if we are exposed to a virus, it will more than likely be in a very small dosage, which can then be targeted by the NK cells.
“Immunity’s 3rd Line of Defense”: I’ve never realized that our body has several lines of defense that consist of skin and mucous membranes, phagocytic white blood cells, and natural killer white blood cells. There is almost an analogy used to compare the lymphocytes fighting the pathogen to trainees on a military base, which I find helpful for remembering the virus fighting process. I also find it interesting that the B and T lymphocytes are able to clone themselves in order to attack the pathogen. While they are short lived, our bodies still have few remaining, allowing them to be recorded and easily recognize that same pathogen if it ever returns.
I found the description of Lymphocytes and how they function in the body when faced with a virus very. It has been a long time since I have heard about T and B cells in a class, and it was not very in depth when it came to how they actually function. The process of blocking the virus and surveying for future encounters with the virus is fascinating. And would be interested in learning more about the process.
I found the image of viruses as a package a very easy way of visualizing how the DNA and RNA is carried and transmitted. I also found it interesting that the virus underwent mutation before infecting humans and causing a pandemic.
Until this video, I had never heard of NK (Natural Killer) cells. I found them highly interesting. i knew that the body had a way of cleansing itself of virus and disease with the right tools, but didn’t realize there was a cell with the sole task of destroying infected cells.
Until this video, I had never heard of NK (Natural Killer) cells. I found them highly interesting. i knew that the body had a way of cleansing itself of virus and disease with the right tools, but didn’t realize there was a cell with the sole task of destroying infected cells.
I was interested in learning about a Viruses’ Basic Reproduction Number. While a difference of 1, between the flu and corona virus, may seem small, the overall impact is very big. After ten rounds, 50 versus 2000 is a big difference. This video really highlighted how serious risk of disease is.
Innate immunity is very interesting to me. Without ever being exposed to something our bodies are pre-prepared to fend off viruses and disease.
3rd line of defense: This video explained to me how lymphocytes kill a virus with its army if the innate immune system were to go wrong.
Immunity’s Third Line of Defense:
I thought the video, Immunity’s Third Line of Defense, was very interesting. I learned that the third line of defense is only signaled when the innate immune response has failed; the third line of defense is not present at birth. It is a learned response that typically takes 5-10 days to have a response to the infection. I also thought it was interesting that after it learns a response, it puts it in its memory bank and remembers that specific infection to be able to respond to it again.
2nd line of defense: I was intrigued to learn how the interior innate immunity and interferon fights off viruses.
The way you explained how herd immunity is a virus traveling from one host to another was very helpful.
I did not know how much fecal matter played a part in spreading so many viruses. I also found the fact that this virus is RNA wrapped in protein and has spikes that helps it attack the membranes very interesting. Wash your hands and wear your mask at all time!
Immunity’s Second Line of Defense:
In the video, Immunity’s Second Line of Defense, I learned that the second level is interior defense. I also learned about the interferon. The interferon is known as the distress signal that the infected cell sends out. The point of this is to warn the uninfected cells that a virus is coming so that they can prepare to trap the virus.
Nk cells are a specialized type of white blood cells that search and destroy. Nk stands for natural killer. Its job is to kill any host cell that is infected with a virus. Dr. Fox talked about these cells in the Immunity’s 2nd line of defense video.
Immunity’s First Line of Defense:
In the video Immunity’s First Line of Defense, I really like how Dr. Fox used a donut to describe our natural barriers. The first line of defense is a natural barrier of skin between our body and what is on the outside of our body; it is what protects us from invaders. Dr. Fox explained how the outer part of the donut is our skin and how the inner part of the donut is our mucus membrane.
Herd Immunity:
It is very interesting to learn about Herd Immunity considering the life we are all living right now. Herd immunity is what percentage of a population is immune to a certain pathogen. When someone who is infected is surrounded by people who have immunity, it is much more difficult for the virus to spread as much. In the video, it explained how in 1918 during the flu pandemic, they took some of the same precautions that we are doing right now because they were going through something similar.
Making sure to wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth at all times is very important, washing hands and cleaning frequently is a very important thing to help against the virus, I also found it very interesting that the virus is wrapped in a RNA and is covered in proteins that help it and then also covered in protein spikes that help it attach to things.
I learned that fecal-oral matter is one of the main reasons that viruses spread. The viruses that you stated could be transmitted by fecal matter include Hepatitis A, Rotavirus, Norovirus, and maybe the Coronavirus. I learned that the Norovirus incubation period could be as short as one day, meaning it can spread tremendously over a 5-7 day cruise. I learned how important it really is to wash your hands to help reduce the spread of these types of viruses.
This was for the video: Stop that Virus.
When cells make clones to protect the body it shows how our body reacts to defend our bodies from outside sickness and disease.
Natural defense is important because our body can form a mucus membrane barrier and uses the skin to protect itself.
Hard immunity can show that without a vaccine it is hard for everyone to stay healthy and the community to stay safe.
A mask helps to protect the spread of coronavirus. Covid is spread through the mouth and nose by droplets from the nose and even talking. It is very important for the community to wear masks.
Because of the virus coming from animals, and after mutation, the virus has now spread across the world. Once a vaccine is found, it can help insure immunity.
Another part I also found interesting in the videos is that the first and second lines of defense work instantly and the third line of defense does not work that well because of the amount of time it takes to register it and for the body to react.
I found it very interesting that the Corona Virus is an RNA wrapped in proteins and then covered in spikes of protein that help it attach to host cells to become a virus inside the body.
I find it very interesting that in the video they said that masks are not 100% effective, that is a shock to me. I also found it very interesting that prior to this year the corona virus was only transmitted through animals.
Life of a Virus:
I learned that we can have viruses that are DNA viruses or RNA viruses. I also learned that a virus is a non-living particle that can only replicate or evolve when it is inside of a cell. In addition to this, I learned that the coronavirus is an RNA virus and that it can only enter a cell that has a receptor that the virus recognizes and can attach to. This helps explain why the coronavirus was originally infecting animals and not humans. I also enjoyed how you explained why the coronavirus affects some people more than others and how that depends on their ACE 2 receptors.
Life of a Virus:
I learned that we can have viruses that are DNA viruses or RNA viruses. I also learned that a virus is a non-living particle that can only replicate or evolve when it is inside of a cell. In addition to this, I learned that the coronavirus is an RNA virus and that it can only enter a cell that has a receptor that the virus recognizes and can attach to. This helps explain why the coronavirus was originally infecting animals and not humans. I also enjoyed how you explained why the coronavirus affects some people more than others and how that depends on their ACE 2 receptors.
I didn’t know that you were originally born with your first two lines of defenses. I just always thought that our immunity was fully built without having to viruses or bacteria invading our body then having our “NK” destroy the cell containing the virus. I also always thought that the White blood cells were the only interceptors to get rid of the viruses
I didn’t know that you were originally born with your first two lines of defenses. I just always thought that our immunity was fully built without having to viruses or bacteria invading our body then having our “NK” destroy the cell containing the virus
It was so interesting to learn about herd immunity and how at first, the virus was just among animals, but now humans as well. Watching this video made me very aware of how important it is to take these safety precautions seriously.
It was interesting to learn that the third line of defense doesn’t work automatically like the first and second lines. Because it takes longer to kick in due to the memorization of how to identify and fight off a particular pathogen, I think that makes getting regular vaccines seem even more important. I thought it was pretty neat to learn how only the B cells with certain receptors can fight off a specific pathogen. It was also cool to learn how after cloning themselves and producing antibodies, some of those B cells become memory cells so that the body will be better prepared the next time it is infected with a specific pathogen.
This video was very fascinating. It really showed me how truly important it is to wear a mask. And how our lymphocytes can help protect us. Especially the different jobs of two different types of lymph cells. I had no idea that the B cells have special receptors that respond to the virus.
It was interesting to learn that the virus could be found in fecal matter, I did nto know that.
This video helped me realize how important following the safety guidelines for covid were. I also was able to better understand the differences between innate immunity and the third line of defense. I enjoyed learning about how important herd immunity is and how covid has mutated from being only in animals to now infecting humans.
This video enlightened and helped me to realize how important it is to social distance and follow all of the mandatory guidelines in order to prevent COVID. Many people across the world have been exposed and are now spreading COVID to others. The first line of defense is a natural barrier and these barriers consist of the skin and the mucus membrane. It was interesting to learn that lymphocytes clone themselves to protect the human body.
I thought it was interesting how all the cells make clones and become antibodies.
I also thought the first natural defense was super interesting because our body forms a mucus membrane barrier.
Herd immunity is so important. without a vaccine it is hard to get enough immunity for a whole community
to actually contract the corona virus you must get droplets from someones sneeze, cough, or talking. just wearing a mask can prevent you from getting someone else droplets.
I also thought it was interesting how corona virus was always around but just in animals. due to mutation, the virus is now all over the world. a vaccine is a necessity now more than ever.
For the third line of defense video, it was interesting to learn about lymphocyte B and T cells and how a small percent of them that survive become memory cells that help to make new clones to reappearance of virus. It was also interesting to see how the B cells replicate and have certain receptors for virus and binding to it. The visuals were also very helpful into seeing how it all works.
I enjoyed learning about the 3rd line of defense. I did not know about the Lymphocytes B and T directly attack and neutralize the virus particle via the antibodies. The visuals shown in the video also helped me to better understand herd immunity.
I think the 3rd line of defense video is very interesting; especially the learned response that will remember the infection for next time. I’m curious as to how someone can be born without a innate response.
In the life of a virus video, I learned that corona virus is a RNA virus. Once this virus gets inside a cell, it then must make a copy of it’s RNA. When things go wrong during this process, it is called a mutation. It was interesting learning about how the virus attaches to it’s host as well.
To begin with, in the Stop the Virus video, the first thing that was shocking to me was how viruses can be spread by fecal oral matter. Corona Virus is one of those that can be spread by fecal oral matter. Also, mask are used to prevent spreading respiratory droplets, that’s why it is very important to wear them.
Herd Immunity: Herd Immunity is when a percentage of a population has immunity to a pathogen. Their immunity then helps the others in the population from getting the pathogen. A pandemic like this happened before in the 1900s. The biggest thing for ending this pandemic years ago was to change human behavior.
It was interesting how Dr.Fox used a donut to describe our natural barriers in Immunity’s First Line of Defense video. The outer part of the donut is our skin that protects us from invaders, the inner part of the donut is then our mucus membrane. Wearing a cloth mask is an extra protective barrier that protects our first line of defense.
I was talking to Dr. Sands about the different types of masks and which one is the most effective. I hope this helps with the reality of an innate community and I think more experiments should be conducted about this.
I understand that wearing a mask is very important. I was talking to Dr. Sands about the different types of masks and which one is the most effective. I hope this helps with the reality of an innate community and I think more experiments should be conducted about trhis.
The videos were really fascinating and learned many things like how important it is to wear masks and learning about herd immunity. also how corona virus could be spread through fecal matter. i had no idea and how interesting that the virus is not a cell but a particle and how people could be affected by the virus based on their genetics. it was also interesting how it is an RNA virus. the second line of defense was interesting how we are born with these defenses and learning about the t-cells searching and destroying the infected cells.
I was having trouble visualizing that first line of defense beside the skin, but that donut example cleared it up.
Third line of defense: Innate immunity can fail. It’s a learned response. It takes up to 5-10 days to respond to the infection. A special type of white blood cell carries out the third line of defense called Lymphocytes.
The immune response has three levels of defense. The first two are innate which means born with. They do not improve with exposure. No memory. First level is barrier defense. It is the physical blocking. Second level is interior defense. A major player is soldiers white blood cells. They search and destroy.
Second line of defense video ^
Stop that virus: A lot of symptoms of the flu and Corona Virus are similar. With Covid it can take up to 5-12 days to feel sick. There is no vaccine for Covid. People are immune to the flu and can spread it to people who aren’t immune. That is why we get a flu shot every year.
First line of defense: Natural barriers. Also known as innate barriers. There is a natural barrier of skin between our body and the outside of it. We are born with it. This is what protects us. Protects us from invaders like you said in the video. Mucus membranes also help. Mucus membranes are what line our respiratory system and digestive system.
Herd Immunity: Herd immunity is when a certain percent of the population has immunity to a pathogen. It reduces the spread of the pathogen. It can’t reproduce. I like how in this video in 1980 they kind of went through what we are going through right now. They took some of the same precautions that we are doing or have done.
The way you implemented the special forces theme with their search and destroy missions, and their cruise missiles really made me understand what NK cells do and how they do it.
I remember when you drew this exact formula at the beginning of our first LEAP class, it made perfect sense for me and convinced me that if we obey it, we may be able to finish our semester.
This is a great simple experiment anyone who doubts the effectiveness of a simple face covering can do.
I was shocked throughout the whole video, I never really came to think what our body does in order to keep us health and the actions that happens if we are sick. When you mentioned the T-cells and how their ability to not only search but also destroy the infected cells, I was amazed that the T cells could single handy do that.
3rd line of defense:
We are not born with this one. The example you talked about the plan ride made a lot of sense to be and helped me understand it more.
2nd line of defense:
These have natural killers who only kill infected cells. The interferons cells job is to find infected cells and destroy them.
Life of a virus:
A virus is a particle not a cell. I did not know there were different types of viruses like DNA and RNA. the virus can only change inside of a cell.
1st line of defense:
This is a natural barrier of skin between our body and whats outside our body. This protects us from invaders.The mucus membrane is always there to help block invaders from getting in.
Herd Immunity:
This video helped me get a better understanding of immunity because of the visuals. Also the flu in the year 1918 comparison made it more clear for me.
Stop that Virus:
While watching this video, I realized how mask are so important. When you talked about the face shields and mask do protect the spread of the virus
3rd line of defense:
I think its super interesting how our body is always alert and finding ways to heal us and avoid the spread of viruses from cell to cell. I specially thought that the lymphocytes undergoing training and creating special forces such as B cells and T cells to respond and protect us from infections was quite interesting.
2nd line of defense:
I thought it was super interesting to learn about the interferon. the infected cell sends out a distress signals known as the interferon. The job of the interferon is to help warn the uninfected cells that a virus is near so that they can have enough time to prepare and even form a booby trap that’ll help trap the virus.
1st line of defense:
I wasn’t fully aware that te first line of defense were natural barriers. These barriers are also known as innate barriers meaning that we are born with them and don’t need exposure to them or a vaccine. Two of our own natural barriers are the skin and the mucus membrane and although the skin is kind of an obvious on because we can see it, it was interesting to learn that the mucus membrane is also a natural barrier.
Herd Immunity:
I learned that natural infection alone without vaccination isn’t going to provide herd immunity. I also thought it was interesting that in the HALT epidemic they were taking some of the same measures that we are taken now but at the time they didn’t know they were dealing with a virus.
Before watching this video I didn’t quite understand how prior to 2019 COVID was able to only infect animals without infecting humans. After watching the video I learned that the reason for the lack of attachment to human cells prior to 2019 was due to the virus not being able to attach to the receptors in human cells known as ACE 2 receptors.
Stop that virus:
Prior to watching the video I knew the importance of wearing masks but I didn’t fully understand how exactly they prevented the spread of the virus. I learned that respiratory droplets are released when common things are done having a mask helps because it serves as a barrier that makes the spread of the virus more difficult. The higher the number or amount of barriers the lower the risk of the spread of the virus will be.
WOW! i admit i am one of the ones that has been a little on the fence of ow serious i should be taking the situation but after viewing the videos i better understand the severity of what is actually going on. Will definitely keep my hand sanitizer locked and loaded!
Stop that Virus:
I did not realize how much fecal-oral matter was a reason for the spread of diseases such as Hepatitis A, Rotavirus, Norovirus, and possibly Coronavirus. Washing your hands is extremely effective especially with limiting the spread of such diseases. I did not realize how easy it is for norovirus to spread especially on cruises.
Herd Immunity:
I think it is interesting to learn about the idea of herd immunity because it is very applicable to what we are experiencing now with COVID-19. As long as the infected individual is surrounded by people with immunity then the virus will have difficulty spreading. The HIT threshold for COVID-19 is between 50-80%.
The 1st Line of Defense:
Our mucous membranes are what line our respiratory system and our digestive system. I think using the analogy of the donut to explain the innate natural barriers was very helpful. I also liked the analogy with the castle wall — with the water serving as the secretions like the saliva, tears, or gastric juices, and the wall shooting out the acid or enzymes to help block pathogens.
The 2nd Line of Defense:
Natural Killer cells are specifically looking for virally infected cells to search and destroy them in order to prevent the virus from replicating. This video truly shows the importance of wearing a mask and how we can help to limit the dose we are exposed to.
The 3rd Line of Defense:
I learned that the 3rd line of defense is only needed if the innate immunity fails. I was also not aware that it is a learned response and could take 5-10 days to mount a response to the infection.
Life of a Virus:
I learned that coronavirus is an RNA virus that previously only affected animals because it could not attach to a receptor on a human cell. I also wondered why coronavirus affected some more than others and now I know that it is because that individual has more ACE 2 receptors— making it easier for the virus to get in.
Immunity’s Third Line of Defense:
So I wonder if the pathogen that gets remembered mutates and re-infects the same host, are the lymphocytes still able fight off the pathogen? I know you said in the video that the pathogen is remembered very specifically, but I was unsure if the specificity meant it had to be a different pathogen entirely, or if it could still recognize a pathogen that has simply mutated. I am also curious if the antibodies have receptors on them as well that the virus attaches to or if they just recognize the virus and cling to it in order to prevent it from infecting other cells.
Also, throughout the video I was wondering what happened to cells already infected while the antibodies killed off the loose virus particles. The t-cell explanation helped me understand why those infected cells do not stay in the system and cause other cells to get infected as well. I did not know that these two processes occurred at the same time, I always thought it was simply one or the other.
Immunity’s Second Line of Defense:
I am curious as to what specifically causes the phagocytic cells to not become infected by the pathogen that it engulfs. I do understand that naturally, this is their job within the immune system, but if it is “voluntarily” taking in a pathogen that is infecting other cells, what actually prevents it from being affected by the pathogen itself?
I also find it interesting that there are so many different natural preventative measures the body can take to keep viruses out of the body and to get rid of it once it does enter the body, but that so many viruses and other various diseases still tend to infect so many individuals and make them as sick as they do.
Immunity’s First Line of Defense:
One part of this video confuses me just a little bit. It’s a small part kind of toward the beginning where you are explaining the types of barriers and I was thinking about mechanical barriers. Tears make sense to be because tears are expelled from the body, but I do not understand how swallowing and chewing are considered barriers when they both involve something entering your body. In my mind a barrier is strictly meant to keep things out, but if swallowing means something is entering the body, I do not understand why that is considered a barrier.
Herd Immunity:
I understand that herd immunity is important for helping to prevent the spread of a virus because the more people who are immune, that means the less the virus will continue to spread. But I wonder what the ultimate significance of herd immunity really is if there are still people who are vulnerable to contracting the virus. I guess to explain my thought process, when you clumped your blue people all together, your red person infected one of your yellow people and caused the infection rate to increase. Knowing that there is still enough of a chance that more people can be infected, I guess I just do not fully understand how herd immunity is very helpful.
Stop that Virus:
So at the start of this video I was greatly grossed out and confused about the thought that fecal matter could be ingested accidentally. To clarify, I always wash my hands so I was not too worried about this happening to me, but it was also kind of enlightening to learn that this is still a potential way of spreading a virus. I have never considered just how many particles can splash out of a flushing toilet and onto a person’s hands and face and to then think of how many people do no wash their hands after using the restroom, it makes me consider just how filthy public surfaces can be.
It also baffles me a little bit that people do not agree that masks are helpful in any way in preventing the spread of the corona virus and that this needs to be explained in-depth to so many people. I personally would think it is self-explanatory that not breathing in somebody’s infected breath is a good way to prevent catching the virus yourself.
Life of a Virus:
So I always thought viruses could infect anybody or anything any time. I did not know that the cells had to have receptors that the virus can recognize and attach to. The fact that an accident in coding that causes a mutation might be necessary for it to infect something of a different species makes me wonder just how many types of viruses exist that we still just do not know about because no human has been exposed to them. I also find it interesting that they possess aspects that make them appear similar to cells, such as this recognition aspect, DNA or RNA and proteins, and can even affect the DNA of a host cell, but still not be considered actual cells.
The third line of defense is only needed if the innate immunity fails. I thought is was fascinating how Lymphocytes clone themselves to protect our body.
Your presentations were very informative and made my understanding of the coronavirus in a much better perspective. I love the information regarding the ACE 2 receptor representing the severity of the virus which is something that has not reached a common point of view yet. Also, the concept of herd immunity is something that I find also interesting since we are somewhat experiencing it right now with this global pandemic.
2nd line of defense
White blood cells are the interiors defense main player, they search and destroy pathogens. NK cells destroy virus infected cells one at a time.
First line of defense
We are all born with a first line of defense. It is our natural barrier and fights off viruses. Staying 6ft apart and wearing a mask will reduce the dose of the virus you are exposed to.
Herd Immunity
It was interesting to learn that herd immunity helps stop the spread of the virus. 60% of the population has herd immunity. I thought it was cool how in 1918 people wore masks and changed their daily lives as well when the Influenza virus hit. Also, I found it interesting how the flu decreases in the summertimes, but the Coronavirus did not.
Stop that virus!
I learned Corona can be detected in human feces and that the Norovirus can travel through air vents especially on cruise ships. Respiratory droplets can escape when we laugh, talk, cough or sneeze. The more barriers we have protecting us the less likely we will catch the virus.
This was a very informative video about the virus “Covid-19.” I learned viruses will not survive without a living body. Viruses can either be an RNA virus or DNA virus. Covid-19 uses RNA to replicate and spread. An interesting fact I learned was how the virus has to attach to a receptor before being able to enter a cell.
First Line of Defense- our skin and mucus membranes are our first line of defense and it just shows how important that it is to wash your hands and cover your mouth in order to help your skin protect you
Herd Immunity- I found it interesting that experts are seeing we need 50-80% herd immunity threshold. I would have thought we needed 100%. Also, it was interesting to heard that during the influenza pandemic they had to change human behavior among other things to stop the virus
In our third line of defense, we have specialized lymphocytes called B cells and T cells. These two cells have different functions. The B cells block the virus from entering a cell by producing antibodies that can bind to the virus. The T cells search and destroy the virus by recognizing the virus’s proteins on the surface of the host cell.
Stop that Virus- I knew that it was important to wear a mask and wash your hands before but now I thoroughly understand just how important it is to get rid of small droplets of fecal matter as well as respiratory droplets
The interferon in our second level of defense is very important. I never knew what interferon was or its purpose of protection. Interferon is when infected cell sends out a distress signal to the uninfected cells to warn them. This warning allows the uninfected cells to set up a trap to capture the virus and stop it from replicating. It was also cool to learn about how NK cells kill host cells infected with the virus by releasing a missile that destroys it.
Our first line of defense is very important. Our skin acts a protection against invaders and our mucus membranes lines our respiratory and digestive systems to protect us from what we inhale or eat. The higher the dose we are exposed to can affect us, but we can reduce our risk of it getting into our system by wearing our masks and social distance from one another.
Herd Immunity: the video made this concept very easy to understand. By providing a visual to allow us to see how difficult it is for the virus to spread through an environment where most of the population is immune really helped me understand what herd immunity was.
Stop that Virus: I learned how important our job is to stop the spread of the corona virus. We can use face masks as a way to stop the spread of the respiratory droplets so we can decrease our own risk of getting the virus and we can always wash our hands!
Life of a Virus- Previously, I did not know that coronavirus was an RNA virus. Also, I was unaware that the more ACE 2 receptors someone has the easier it is for the virus to enter the host
Life of a Virus: I never understood why some people had more severe cases of the corona virus than others but now I know why- the more receptors on the human cell (ACE 2) you have, the easier it is for the corona virus to enter the cell.
I never knew that we had different types of white blood cells, such as phagoctic and natural killers. It is also interesting how the natural killer cells destroy infected cells by “cruise missles”!
About the masks: my mother is a health care professional and throughout the summer she’s come home with different opinions on the masks, but what was mentioned about the amount dose and the effects our mucosa membrane, tears, and some parts of saliva make a lot of sense.
Thank you for such an informative video! The portion about the ACE2 receptor was interesting, and something I definitely didn’t know. I kept hearing different things about COVID-19 how has been around before while some say it hasn’t. It makes sense now that it’s been infecting animals, and it can infect humans now due to mutations and the ACE2 receptor.
I found it interesting that our B cells and T cells not only duplicate to create an army to fight the infection but that they also create a memory cell that duplicates itself as well to counter the infection.
The third line of defense you learn it. I thought it was interesting that the lymphocytes protect our body from the virus by cloning themselves.
The second line of defense you are also born with. It consists of natural killers and interferons. The natural killers kill only the infected cell. The interferon sends out a distress signal to the surrounding uninfected cells so they can set a trap for the viruses.
I liked how you described the first line of defense. Thinking of the skin as the outer part of the donut and the mucus membrane as the inside.
I hadn’t heard about herd immunity until this video. It is important for the population to wear masks to protect the people who are susceptible to getting the virus.
I didn’t know the virus could spread through fecal matter. The virus is airborne when flushing the toilet. This means it’s very important to wear your mask and wash your hands to stop the spread.
I thought it was interesting how you described the corona virus. How it’s RNA rapped in a protein coat with an envelope surrounding it. With protein spikes surrounding the envelope.
I enjoyed your analog between the B cell lymphocytes cloning itself and having an army that multiplies. It’s a great way to picture it without being complicated and complex.
I find it so interesting that the phagocytic white blood cells devour the pathogens that try and enter the body.
Wow to learn that the 3rd line of defense is only called into action when the innate immunity fails Is very interesting and the visual previously mentioned about a castle wall with different defenses is truly a great Image to portray these defenses!
I never knew that white blood cells did so man different things and had sub levels such as Phagoctic and “natural killer” to attack specific cells such as “NK” cells! very interesting
The visual imagery of the 1st line of defense as a moat, castle wall, and “star shooters” was super helpful in understanding the basics of it!
I never truly knew how Herd immunity works, but by simply describing it as the virus traveling from one immune host to another was great imagery to see that the virus wouldn’t be able sustain itself and transfer to a susceptible host!
I enjoy the fact that you explained how the mask is not 100% effective, but that with everyone wearing one, the risk of transmitting the virus will greatly decrease!
It was interesting to learn that a mutation could attach to a receptor on the human cell, and before this it was attaching to animal receptors.
I like that you explain that we can do our part to wear a mask, social distance, wash hands, and have proper ventilation in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but at the same time dosage and time also plays a role. Having traveled recently to come back to SHc, the example you used with the airplane and traveling for four hours with someone who may have had the virus very much hit home. What also came to mind was whether the dosage also affects the length of time the learned immunity for the virus lasts.
The most interesting thing I learned from the video is that flushing can spread the virus…WOW! The virus is enveloped making it very easy to destroy by simple hand washing but the fact that its also airborne makes it very is to contract. Also the info on the receptor ACE was interesting in understanding why this simple virus can also be deadly. The videos were very informative.
I actually didn’t know what herd immunity was and I am glad that the video has an easy way of describing herd immunity.
I liked the experiment you did on how important it is for everyone to wear their mask!
I enjoyed the explanation in the herd immunity video about how the people during the 1918 flu pandemic changed their habits to help prevent the spread of the virus.
I found it interesting that the amount of the virus and the force have an effect on the risk of infection.
In all of the things that I have read or watched, I have not heard anything about fecal/oral transmission. It was interesting to hear about that being unknown but still possible.
In the Stop The Virus post, your experiment was really effective in explaining the importance of wearing a mask! Even though masks are a hassle, hopefully they will help reduce the spread of the virus by respiratory droplets.
I thought it was really cool to learn that people have a different number of receptors for the coronavirus due to their genetics. That helps explain why some people are more likely to become sick from the virus.
I found the part about the ACE2 receptors to be very interesting. I liked that you explained that having the receptors present in different areas of the body is part of what accounts for the symptoms.
I had never heard of her immunity before and thought it very interesting to learn that people with immunity to a virus can actually protect people that are more susceptible to a virus.
I thought it was very well and simply explained that by increasing the number of barriers that the virus has to get past then the risk of getting sick is decreased. I’m convinced to go get a new mask!
Your experiment (at the top of the page) speaks enough for itself. Wearing a masks really DOES help stop the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses/diseases. I always thought it was false when the news media reported animals getting COVID-19. I can’t believe it. This, in my opinion, is a game changer.
It was very interesting for me to learn that the virus previously could not attach to human cells because it could not attach to a receptor.
In the first part of the video, you described an example that correlates with a virus entering someone’s system. The example was: you’re on a plane for four hours and the person next to you has tested positive for COVID-19. This was super helpful in understanding how dose and time comes into play. This person (who is next to the COVID-19 positive person) is at great risk for getting the virus.
I enjoyed the portion of the video where you explained how the COVID-19 virus is a portion of RNA wrapped in a protein coat, then wrapped with in a envelope of protein spikes that allow for it to bind to host cells.
It was interesting to hear from you how the use of masks, shower curtains/sneeze shields, really do help with the prevention of spread of the virus.
Thank you very much for the explanation. I just wanted to pose a question based on the video. Knowing all of the staying at home and avoiding of the COVID-19 virus how do you feel that this is impacting the herd immunity of the world wide population.
herd immunity is currently less than 10% – with no mitigation it would be higher, but probably not in the 50-80% range with a high cost on lives. We need a vaccine for real protective herd immunity
I like the demonstration that you used of the castle to help with the understanding of the first lines of defenses.
I did not know how important interferons were at helping to protect the human body from viruses. Very interesting how the body can send out this interferon of a distress signal so that the uninfected neighbouring can be ready.
I really like how you went in depth to explain how B lymphocytes that have receptors (green) that recognize viruses create clones and help to fight the viruses that may enter the body.
The third line of defense is only needed if the first and second defense fail to keep the virus out. It is different from the first 2 defenses because it is a learned response instead of an innate response. Although the third line of defense takes time to fight the virus, it will remember how to defeat it the next time the virus makes an appearance.
The second line of defense is the interior defense. This defense is innate and known as white blood cells. The white blood cells destroy the pathogens that infect the body to prevent the virus from replicating.
The third line of defense includes wearing masks and social distancing. This is only necessary if innate immunity fails.
The second line of defense is interior defenses that you are born with that help fight viruses.
Covid is more contagious than the flu and scientists predict covid will kill more people than the flu. It also takes longer for symptoms to show with covid, so it is easier to spread because you might not know you have the virus.
Natural barriers are the first line of defense to fight off pathogens and viruses. Mucus membranes like saliva block viruses.
It was interesting to learn that herd immunity is the percent of a population that has immunity to the virus being spread. This reduces the spread of a virus.
It was interesting to learn that the corona virus can spread through fecal matter. Flushing the toilet makes the particles spread into the air. This is why it is so important to wash your hands and wear masks so that we can reduce the virus spreading.
It was interesting to learn that a mutation in the coronavirus caused humans to be able to contract the virus. I did not know that only animals used to be able to contract the virus.
Even if you social distance, wear a mask, wash you hands the innate can still fail. When the innate immunity fails the 3rd line of defense takes action on the virus. When in a plane next to people for a long period of time it can fai. The 3rd line of defense isnt present at birth, it takes longer up to 3 to 5 days, but it then memorizes the pathogen and specifically destroys it and stores it away making sure that if it ever comes back it knows how to make it go away.
This video taught me about the second line of defense. There are a couple parts that come into play llike the innates which you are born with and they have no memory, no exposure, and white blood cells.
White blood cells have a special job. They use there special forces to find the pathogens and destroy them. Then the phagotic comes into play and eats the pathogens as well.
We also have NK which is natural killers. There job is to kill any host that is infected.
First the video talked about measles because it is the most contagious disease known to man. The Ro is the highest compared to Ziko, seasonal flu, and even covid. A lot of people in the world are saying that the seasonal flu and covid are the same thing… But they are wrong. Covid is more contagious and more dangerous to us. 60,000 Americans die a year because of the season flu. Covid is a lot more. plus the healing process is longer and there is no cure.
I learned that antibodies cannot do anything to already infected cells. However, they can bind to the virus and block it from infecting any healthy cells which will help to prevent us from infection.
Before this video, I had never heard of an “NK” cell. Now I know that it is a natural killer cell that works to destroy any cell that is infected by a virus so that it cannot replicate, especially since the cell cannot become healthy again. I also did not know that cells can release distress alerts.
The donut and castle wall analogies were very helpful with understanding our body’s natural barriers.
The skin and the mucus membranes form a physical barrier against outside invaders and are included in what is known as the body’s first natural line of defense. The pH level in our skin and stomach, enzymes, mechanical movements, and normal bacteria are all also included in the first line of defense. Wearing a mask simply adds to the physical barrier to protect the body from the virus.
It is rare that a natural infection by itself (without a vaccine) will provide enough immunity to protect a population. Altering the way you live your life (such as wearing a masks and limiting public gatherings) can make it difficult for the virus to spread, ultimately causing the virus to die out on its own.
Respiratory droplets are spread by sneezing, coughing, and even talking. Corona virus is transmitted by the spread of respiratory droplets. Wearing a mask or a face covering of some sort is proven to vastly reduce the spread of the virus.
Prior to 2019, the corona virus was only transmitted between animals. The virus mutated allowing it to be able to attach to a human cell receptor known as Ace 2.
Natural barriers are the first line of defense when it comes to fighting off pathogens and viruses. The naturla barriers are skin which envolves ur body. Next is mucas membranes like ur saliva, buggers, etc, enzymes, mechanicals like swollowing, tears, and lastly is normal bacteria.
Herd immunity is a percent of a population that has immunity to the pathogen that is being spread. In the example, 60 percent of the population was immune and that is what we need when it comes to the corona virus. People think that natural infection provides immunity and it doesnt. In 1918 to 1920, influenza struck and the way it stopped is from changes in human behavior, summer, changes in the virus, patients dying to fast, and herd immunity.
The 3rd Line of Defense video informed me that when the innate immune system fails the 3rd line of defense is signaled which is a learned line of defense, and how the lymphocytes kill off the virus with its army.
I have never heard of Herd Immunity before this video and now I know what it is. I understand that it is when a certain amount of the population are immune a pathogen. This allows protection for those who are susceptible from getting the pathogen.
The 2nd Line of Defense video taught me how interior innate immunity, natural killer cells, and interferon fights off a virus.
How the a virus spreads is from Fecal. Fecal is poop pretty much and it can be produced when you flush a toilet, or being near poop close enough that you will inhale the fecal. By inhaling the fecal you can catch hepA, Rota, Nora, and maybe the corona virus. A mask can prevent this and that is because if you “increase the barriers” you will “decrease the risk”. This is also the amount of exposure and force of it. Wearing a face mask, sneeze guard, or a putting a clear shower curtain on your office door.
Very informative and your explanation and analogies were easy to remember!
The 1st Line of Defense video told me about how the natural barriers and masks prevent invaders from entering our bodies.
The Herd Immunity video taught us that in a population the people who are immune to the virus are less likely to get the virus again from a carrier. The people who are not immune to the virus are more likely to get sick with the virus.
The life of a virus is quite sad actually because they cant move, crawl, swim, or fly. They can only transfer to humans through humans. A virus isn’t actually a cell, it is actually a particle. A particle that is either a RNA or DNA form that has a protein wrap around it. A virus can enter another host because a receptor called ACE2.
That’s so crazy that the norovirus is common on cruise ships.I would have never thought.
The Stop that Virus video was interesting because it tells us how viruses are transmitted and how to reduce the spread of a virus with a mask. More barriers decrease the likelihood of contracting the virus.
I had no idea that the coronavirus was an RNA virus particle.
This video was informative because it justifies how the corona virus effects our host cells when it enters our body.
I loved how in the beginning of the video you had proof about how the corona virus isn’t like the flu. For example you explained the swine flu, Ebola, Zika virus, and many more. Showing that they aren’t just a flu.
Further into the video, you go into detail about the corona virus it’s self and how it affects not only humans but animals and other creatures as well like mammals amphibians, and birds.
Lauren Sotomayor
Thank you so much for describing the makeup of the virus as an RNA base with a protein coating, surrounded by an envelope, and with protein spikes! Very interesting!
I always thought that the amount dose of the virus that you come in contact mattered like if you only come in contact with a small amount of the virus that you have a smaller chance to get it if you came in contact with a larger amount
It was interesting to learn that coronavirus was a RNA that has protein gel around it that is wrapped in something called an envelope with protein spikes
I liked how you described the B cells as being capable of producing an army by making clones of itself with the same receptors for a particular virus so that the same antibodies can be made.
It was interesting to note how natural killer cells search and destroy any host cell infected by a virus by releasing a substance like a guided missile that will destroy that infected cell.
As a visual learner, I appreciated your analogy of the innate immune system as a castle with the moat and sharp-shooters as they all work together to create a barrier to keep invaders out.
You mentioned that the Herd Immunity Threshold (HIT) is predicted to be somewhere between 50 and 80% for COVID19. Am I correct in stating that a lower number for the HIT would be better?
Exactly! The lower HIT the faster herd immunity is established.
It makes sense why health care workers need greater protection since you mentioned that they are exposed to a stronger force of the virus coming from the infected patient’s respiratory system.
Interesting to know that the inert virus particle experienced a mutation which allowed it to recognize and attach to the ACE2 receptor on a human cell, passing the virus from animals to humans.
I enjoyed watching the video and learning more about the 3rd line of defense. I found it interesting that lymphocytes undergo training to create special forces which protect us from the virus (B Cell and T Cell).
Thank you for showing us that the ACE 2 receptor has a huge part in how the severe the virus is in each person.
It’s was interesting to learn that coronavirus is a RNA wrapped in a protein coat, wrapped in a envelope with protein spikes
Such a good video! Thank you for sharing!
Wearing a mask , washing your hands, and keeping distance is very important. We all knew to wash our hands and keep our distance . Some were not always distance when it comes to gatherings . We didn’t realize how fast germs could spread until we seen and is still experiencing the spread of COVID-19. Wearing a mask is so important as we speak to each other and come in contact with one another we spread germs.
Wearing a mask , washing your hands, and keeping distance is very important. We all knew to wash our hands and keep our distance . Some were not always distance when it comes to gatherings . We didn’t realize how fast germs could spread until we seen and is still experiencing the spread of COVID-19. Wearing a mask is so important as we speak to each other and come in contact with one another we spread germs.