If you heard that a very destructive creature was in your village, what would you expect this creature to look like? Perhaps a ferocious cat, or a colossal beast that was capable of leveling whole buildings? Such a creature does exist in Africa, except it is a single celled bacterium by the genus Trypanosome, a microscopic creature with the capacity to strike fear into the heart of virtually an entire continent. Living a segment of its life as a parasite in the bloodstream of humans and other mammals, Trypanosome can trigger a lethal neurological disorder in the circulatory system. It has also been found that it is the cause of a serious sleep disorder in humans. The disease can ruin a person’s circadian cycle, cause fevers, and changes in personality. Unfortunately, about 60 million people in 36 of the 52 countries in Africa are at constant risk.

Another significant role in the lifecycle of trypanosomiasis is the tsetse fly, the bacteria’s most common intermediate host, which transports the Trypanosome from one mammalian host to another. Trypanosomiasis is endemic in a large area of approximately 3.8 million sq. mi. in Africa, where both the parasitic disease and the tsetse fly coexist. Moreover, the danger is not limited to humans because it also affects many other mammal species, most notably livestock and horses. Malnutrition often follows as a direct consequence when large swaths of animals are killed by trypanosomiasis, as there will be less meat and dairy to consume.

The trypanosome parasite invites disease for the host mammal by collapsing or neutralizing its immune system. Let us first remember how the immune system works:

The immune system

Every living thing is provided with two things: food and protective systems. Immune system is one of these vital systems. Most immune systems across mammals function in similar ways; Antibodies are produced to destroy toxic substances and antigens on foreign bacteria, fungal cells, or the virus sheath invading the body. These antigens can be found on the infected foreign cells and have a unique shape and structure according to the organism that causes each disease. The immune system binds to the antigens of the foreign organism in the same manner as a key-lock system with its antibodies produced while fighting against the disease, thus neutralizes the invading organism.

Most of the antigens, which reveal the identity of a foreign being, are structures created of proteins, polysaccharides, or protein-based fats. Our immune system has the sensitivity and the capacity to produce an infinitely diverse variety that can discern even quite identical but foreign substances bearing antigenic properties for our body. To draw an analogy, a specific antibody can be produced for each speck of dust on Jupiter. Our immune system is blessed with the ability to synthesize appropriate antibodies by selecting proteins that differ in type or location of one amino acid.

The mechanism of binding of the antibody to the antigen is carried out with effective economy, because each type of antibody is produced specifically against a particular antigen. This mechanism works like a key-lock system, so the body recognizes its own cells and does not attack them. Each antibody produced in the immune system is created in a three-dimensional, one-to-one compatible structure with the antigen that causes it to be produced, and easily recognizes and locates it, binds as the key fits into the lock, and thus renders it harmless by disrupting the chemical structure of the antigen.

Trypanosome and the immune system

The case of trypanosome vs. the immune system is somewhat exceptional. The abovementioned almost universal immunity principle does not work against trypanosome. Even though parasites are constantly exposed to the mammalian immune system in the blood, they constantly change the antigen that forms the surface sheath. They thwart the host’s defense, as if rapidly changing their password so that it can never be guessed. Until the immune system produces new antibodies to bind to new antigens, some of the trypanosomes discard their sheaths and drape themselves in another one. If this condition persists, the immune system of the host cannot cope with the infection and may succumb to it.

This extraordinary phenomenon astonishes the scientific community and many scientists are investigating the molecular structure of antigen diversity extensively in African, European, and US laboratories. These parasites are only 0.015–0.030 mm in size, and its two most notorious species are Trypanosoma rhodesiense and Trypanosoma gambiense, which inflict serious damage on the human body.

Like many other parasitic species, the life cycle of trypanosomes is very complex. In each phase of this life journey, the parasite takes different forms and exhibits different characteristics in such an unusual way that generates curiosity. The life cycle can be summarized as follows: when the tsetse fly bites a disease-bearing mammal, the trypanosomes in the mammal’s blood are sucked up and settle in the middle intestine of the fly. They undergo a series of complex processes including several structural and biochemical changes. After about three weeks, the trypanosomes appear in the fly’s salivary glands in a disease-bearing form. Meanwhile, they are also draped in new surface sheaths.

When the secondary host fly bites a healthy person, the disease-causing trypanosomes enter the blood of the new host. In this new stopover, parasites are transformed into a form in which they can rapidly multiply. First, they wreak havoc in blood vessels and on lymph nodes, causing fever, marks and swelling in the body. At this stage, a constant struggle with the host’s immune system ensues. A likely invasion the patient’s central nervous system by the trypanosomes can cause intense drowsiness, coma, and eventually death.

In years of research on the trypanosomes, the thick surface sheath covering the cell membrane of the parasite was first described in 1965 by Keith Vickerman of the University of Glasgow. Shortly thereafter, different surface sheaths were discovered in different trypanosome clones. In 1968, Richard W. F. Page from the Molteno Parasitic Research Institute in Cambridge analyzed and decoded the isolated antigenic surface proteins from several clones, revealing that each clone had a biochemically different protein. The clarity of these differences suggests that each antigen is expressed by a different gene. In the 1970s, George Cross and his colleagues found evidence supporting Le Page’s proposal. These antigens are now called Variable Surface Glycoproteins (VSG). As a result of subsequent research, the picture became even more clear.

Once the infection has begun, antibodies are formed in the host’s immune system that bind to the variable surface glycoproteins that appear on the surface sheath of the invading parasites. These antibodies kill most of the initial trypanosomes. Yet interestingly, on a few remaining trypanosomes a new sheath to which antibodies cannot bind is built, and the trypanosomes evade the immune system’s grasp. The survivors induce a new population producing new variable surface glycoproteins. This time, the immune system produces new antibodies against these freshly constructed antigens. Meanwhile, the parasitic population grows. Newly produced antibodies are able to kill 99% of new parasites again. However, until that time, the parasitic group constituted by about 1% of the survivors has already changed its sheath. Hence, another population begins to multiply. This process of life being a struggle unfortunately continues until the host mammal dies.

The mechanisms of antigen diversity in trypanosomes are very complex and variable, and the total capacity to produce varieties is not clearly known. Recombinant DNA technology is used to investigate the structure of the genes for producing variable surface glycoproteins, the mechanism of cell membrane binding, and the selection and expression of one of the codes. In addition to the four licensed medicines produced for the treatment of parasitic diseases, new drugs are being developed.

It is astonishing that this tiny window of invisible dimensions has such a huge potential opening to different branches of science. Many such exceptional and precise situations exist in the universe that may showcase contradicting mechanisms with general principles and procedures. Sometimes we may wonder why God creates such harmful parasites. Since we do not know the performance at every point of an entire ecosystem with our insufficient scientific knowledge, limited sensory organs and temporary observation, we tend to see any seemingly harmful being as futile and devoid of wisdom and immediately raise our voices in protest. However, with new discoveries in science, thousands of wise meanings may be extracted from a creature we generally take for granted.

References

Lori Peacock, Simon Cook, Vanessa Ferris, Mick Bailey, Wendy Gibson (2012): The life cycle of Trypanosoma (Nannomonas) congolense in the tsetse fly, Parasites & Vectors, 5:109 www.parasitesandvectors.com/content/5/1/109.

Michael P Barrett, Richard J S Burchmore, August Stich, Julio O Lazzari, Alberto Carlos Frasch, Juan José Cazzulo, Sanjeev Krishna, (2003): The Trypanosomiases, The Lancet, Vol 362, November 1, Pages 1469-1475, www.thelancet.com.

www.cdc.gov/dpdx/trypanosomiasisafrican/index.html

One of the signs of anarchy in a region could be the marching of an army to get a particular situation under control and, if it is indispensible, destroy or suppress anarchists. Similarly, the first response of the body to such uncontrolled growth is the destruction of tumor cells by activating inner mechanisms that lead to cellular suicide (apoptosis). Anarchy is by definition not to accept any border and authority, causing disorder or upheaval. According to twentieth century thinker Nursi, anarchy cuts and throws away norms and laws that organize social life, one by one, thus destroying the order and leading to mischief and rebellion. In addition, anarchism does not consider the rights of any. Analogously, one by one, cancer breaks genetic rules that organizes cell proliferation and eliminates pathways that suppress tumor formation. Thus, it eradicates the order and triggers chaos and malignancy. Again, cancer works against the life of the body without considering the rights of other cells.

Another characteristic of anarchism could be the elimination of its leaders. Thus, once you get rid of the key players, anarchy may not resurface. Likewise, you can use a strategy in certain cancer types where you can specifically target cancer stem cells. As a result, cancer growth could be suspended and it may bring an opportunity to shrink tumor through chemotherapeutical approaches. One such example is the targeting of CD24, a putative cancer stem cell antigen expressed by a minority of adenocarcinoma cells. This cell-based cancer immunotherapy method uses genetically engineered cancer killing T cells, which are directed towards cancerous tissues using chimeric antigen receptors. This is similar to the taking over of trained Special Forces when anarchy becomes malicious and unceasing. Both natural and genetically engineered cancer killer T cells in our body resemble trained Special Forces that patients need to fight against cancer.

Cancer treatments

Cancer is nowadays mainly treated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery, and to some extent with immunotherapy. The many purposes of chemotherapy include relieving or preventing the suffering of the patient, prolonging the life span, and if possible, completely curing the cancer along with surgery or radiotherapy regimens. Chemotherapy mainly uses cytotoxic drugs that kill cells by attacking one of the main properties of cancer cells—rapid division. Unfortunately, since cancer cells are not the only rapidly dividing cells in the body, chemotherapeutic agents also harm healthy cells. Another fall back of chemotherapy drugs is the lack of specificity that does not provide a therapy against a specific cancer type and their efficacy vary from patient to patient. In these cases, the indispensable path is synergistic use of radiotherapy with chemotherapy.

As its name implies, radiotherapy involves the use of ionizing radiation to kill cancer. It relies on the destruction of dividing cells by introducing DNA damage, which leads to induction of cellular death through apoptosis. Radiotherapy is therapeutically useful in cancers that are localized to one part of the body. It is also useful to prevent tumor relapse after surgical removal such as in breast cancer. However, radiation, which radiotherapy depends on, is itself the potential cause of cancer and leads to various side effects.

Citizens of the body need justice

Chemotherapy or radiotherapy, which harms both healthy and cancerous cells, recalls the practice of absolute justice versus relative justice. Absolute justice requires protection of every individual while punishing the criminals. On the other hand, relative justice is the justice where the rights of one person are ignored for the betterment of the whole. Absolute justice is always the best practice if it can be properly established. However, relative justice may be sought if absolute justice is absolutely out of reach. Current chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments are like the practice of relative justice, which harms both cancerous and healthy cells. Of course, these treatments are considered as the last resort for many cancer patients but this analogy regarding absolute justice toward cells in the body urges us to seek for cancer therapies that follow absolute justice. In other worlds, we need to practice an approach that is more specific toward cancer cells. This could be, as we mentioned above, the use of cancer immunotherapy where cytotoxic T cells are directed towards cancer cells through genetic engineering by introducing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). CARs should be able to recognize unique or relatively specific antigens located on the surface of cancer cells to execute them.

Cancer killing T-cells: Equipped with chimeric antigen receptors

There are three main approaches in cancer immunotherapy including immunization, use of antibodies and cellular immunotherapy. Immunization by administering a cancer vaccine prepares the patient’s own immune cells to recognize tumor cells as targets to be destroyed. The use of therapeutic antibodies specific to cancer cells recruits immune cells in the patient to abolish tumors. Cellular immunotherapy, on the other hand, uses patients’ own immune cells like the natural killer cells, cytotoxic T cells and so on. Basically, those cells could be stimulated in patients with the administration of interleukins or they could be isolated from the patients’ blood and cultured in the laboratory and following expansion and in vitro training, then transfused back to the patient to fight against cancer.

Cytotoxic T cells are unique immune cells that recognize target cells via T cell receptors. Over the past decade, scientist engineered T cell receptors and developed chimeric antigen receptors that specifically recognize target antigens. This recognition lead to signaling pathways that resulted in apoptosis of tumor cell through the production of granzymes, perforins and cytokines such as IFN-γ, and TNF-α (Figure 1). There are a number of success stories using CAR+ T cells for cancer immunotherapy used in patients. Encouraging results were obtained with CARs targeting lymphoma (by targeting CD19 antigen), coleractal Cancer (by targeting CEA antigen), and melanoma (by targeting melanocyte-specific markers MART1, MELOE-1 and gp100).

Universal chimeric antigen receptors

Two recent studies published by two different groups increased the hopes in the battle with cancer. They developed novel and universal CAR technologies that combines cell based immunotherapy and use of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. This new approach relies on the recognition of specific molecules such as FITC and Biotin by corresponding Anti-FITC and Anti-Biotin (Avidin) CARs. The decent thing about these specific molecules is that you can attach them to any antibody, ligand, or aptamer known to target specific tumor antigens (Figure 2). One of the universal chimeric antigen receptor, for instance, uses FITC, a fluorescent molecule widely used in flow cytometric assays. Since it is easy to label antibodies, this provides wide range of antibodies to target cancer cells. In addition, scientists using this approach could target more than one tumor antigen or could use another antibody that targets different antigen even if cancer relapses. Moreover, since antibodies used to activate CAR+ T cells will degrade and their bioavailability will decrease in the body by time, there will be no need to kill injected T cells with suicide mechanisms. Once FITC labeled antibodies are stopped from being given to patients, CAR+ T cells will stop attacking cells and cease-fire since their guns (CARs) cannot recognize tumors or anything nonspecific. This approach is highly encouraging and has brought with it great hopes in the treatment of cancer.

Anarchy, spirituality, and prayer therapy

Hunger, poverty, social inequality and economical issues could be asserted as the basis of anarchy within a society. However, according to Nursi, the real basis of anarchy is spiritual weakness and poverty. Similarly, the basis for cancer could possibly be the lack of appropriate spiritual diet that may eventually make a person fall spiritually and physically weak. For example, fasting is a physical and spiritual fast prescribed in monotheistic religions which increases spirituality and has been shown to be synergistically effective in chemotherapy with cancer treatments. It has been observed and scientifically recorded that patients with strong beliefs and continuous prayers and spiritual support overcome diseases much faster than those without. This raises certain questions regarding our spiritual makeup and many other dynamics involved in being sick and getting well. So, are we getting ill because some evil spirits are manipulating our biological condition by settling in the tumors and propagating cellular anarchy? Is radiation, which leads to cellular mutations, a result of spirits that are created of “scorching fire” (The Qur’an 15:27)? Is cancer a result of such manipulations and should we seek cure for it not only through biological medicine but also through spiritual healing?

Various scientifically proven causes are known to increase the likelihood of cancer, which includes, but is not limited to, smoking, viral infections, radiation, and pollutants that lead to internal genetic faults within cells. Considering the fact that there are many cases in which patients have been reported to have recovered from their illnesses by reciting prayers, then such cases are worth examining to find out whether and to what degree non-material factors are involved as causes for our illnesses. Studying these cases may offer science new opportunities to be able to remove the present obstructions and make greater advances in the medical field by perhaps developing cancer therapies that combine prayer therapy and cancer immunotherapy using genetically engineered T cells during the treatment of patients.

Ali Fethi Toprak is a PhD candidate at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

References

Döğen, Şaban. 2005. “Bediüzzaman and Anarchy.” Köprü Dergisi, No 89.

Nursi, Bediüzzaman Said. Işarâtü’l-I’caz. Şahdamar Yayınları.

Chmielewski et al. 2012. “CAR’s made it to the pancreas.” OncoImmunology 1:8, 1387–1389.

Tamada et al. 2012. “Redirecting Gene-Modified T Cells toward Various Cancer Types Using Tagged Antibodies.” Clin Cancer Res.

Urbanska et al. 2012. “A universal strategy for adoptive immunotherapy of cancer through use of a novel T cell antigen receptor.” Cancer Res.

Gülen. M. Fethullah. “Cinler, Hastalıklara Sebep Olabilir mi?” Retrieved from http://tr.fgulen.com/content/view/708/3/ on 12/24/12.

Bukhari, i’tikâf 8, 11, 12; Muslim, Salam, 24; Ibn Maja, Siyam 65; Abu Dawud, Sawm 79; Adab 81; Muslim and related hadith narrated by Abu Hurayrah, Bukhari 7.582.

¹ See Yücel, Salih. 2010. Prayer and Healing in Islam, NJ: Tughra Books.

Immunity can be divided into innate immunity and acquired immunity. The mechanisms of innate immunity are given to us by our Creator as a tool with which to protect ourselves. These are used to fight against every kind of microorganism. These ever-ready forces do not need to have met the enemy microorganisms to fight them off. Acquired immunity comes about after the infectious microbe has been encountered; this is usually as a result of infection or vaccination. Such immunities only protect the body against a specific harmful organism. T and B lymphocytes and antibodies belong in the acquired immune system, whereas other mechanisms are part of the innate immune system. We can classify the very intricate immunity mechanisms as follows:

A – Layers that cover the inner and outer surfaces of the body: These are the physical structures that carry out the task of protection by covering the tissues like a shield or fortress.

1. Skin: Our skin is an organ in its own right. It is created with such perfect characteristics that no microorganism can penetrate our body if there are no flaws, like gashes, scratches, or wounds.

2. Oral mucous membrane: If the epithelial layer covering the interior walls of our mouth is healthy, microorganisms cannot infiltrate the blood.

3. Areas around the sexual organs: The sexual organ in males is, even at birth, more protected than that of females. For female children, the epithelium covering the interior face of the organ turns into a multi-layered structure due to the impact of estrogen (sexuality hormone) that starts being secreted after adolescence. That multilayered structure blocks infections that can result from sexual intercourse. Female children before adolescence do not have estrogen, thus their genital organs have a thinner layer of epithelium and are more likely to be infected. This is why cleansing after urination should be done from the front to the back and the genital organs should not come into contact with feces. Our God of infinite mercy also gives girls a hymen in order to protect girls from germs.

B – Flora bacteria (beneficial bacteria): These do not serve as mechanical obstacles, but are assigned tasks. There are some bacteria that do not cause illnesses in the urine and in the proliferation canals, the skin, throat, intestines, and the eyes. Those beneficial bacteria located in our body work for us and hinder other infectious bacteria from settling in these zones. Those places are sterile in the body of a fetus; no beneficial bacteria exist there. Protector bacteria are positioned in those places right after the birth; this is a revelation of God’s infinite compassion. For instance, a baby’s first feces are sterile because there are no bacteria in his intestines. As time passes, a baby adopts protector bacteria through his mouth by nursing, from bottles, and pacifiers. Parents should be careful about the purity of pacifiers, feeding bottles, water, and additional nourishments, particularly in the first couple of months, until the bacteria flora have been established in an infant’s body. Otherwise, babies can easily suffer from diarrhea. God equipped beneficial bacteria with some special peculiarities to be able to deter other microorganisms from settling in the body. Here are some of these peculiarities:

1. They compete with infectious bacteria on the consumption of nutrients, so they restrain the reproduction of other bacteria.

2. They emit bactericides that kill only pathogenic (harmful and infectious) bacteria.

3. Some flora bacteria are assigned a mission to impede the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria so as to reduce pH (increase acidity) in the environment. For example, the lactobacillus in the female genital passage produces lactose by breaking down the glucose in the uterine canal in order to acidify the secreted matters in that canal. Reproduction of fungi is also obstructed in the same way. Due to that fact, some fungal diseases might emerge in genital areas or in the ears, among other places, after antibiotic treatment. Antibiotics kill not only pathogenic bacteria, but also flora bacteria. Thus, desultory usage of antibiotics should be avoided.

Today, beneficial intestinal bacteria are taken orally in capsules, and infectious bacteria in the intestines are killed by supplementing the flora bacteria in that organ without the use of antibiotics.

C – Mechanical cleansing:

1. Secretions:

a.Saliva: Secreted continuously from the glands behind the ears, beneath the chin and beneath the tongue, saliva expels the intruder pathogenic bacteria by cleansing our mouths. It also prevents tooth decay and gum inflammation by cleaning leftover food on which bacteria could feed.

b. Tears: Tears are charged with the duty of cleaning the conjunctiva (the mucous membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and that continues over the forepart of the eyeball) and the cornea (the transparent part of the coat of the eyeball that covers the iris and pupil and admits light to the interior).

2.Cilia: These are feather-like cell extensions of microscopic size.

a.Nasal Cilia: Covering the nasal mucous membrane, mucus (a slimy substance) grasps dust particles and microbes in the air due to its adhesive nature. Lumpy folds inside the nose do not let the air flow straight. Therefore, a turbulent air current occurs in the nose. This turbulent current causes the particles in the air to come into contact with this slimy substance and to get stuck there. Epithelial cells also have cilia expanding toward the nasal cavity. Every cell has nearly 200 cilia. These cilia push mucus and the dust particles attached to it toward the pharynx with an up and down whipping action (10–20 strokes per second) so as to keep them away from the lungs.

b.Cilia in the lower respiratory passages: The upper surface of epithelium that is spread on the trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles is also covered with mucus. Epithelial cells in this area have cilia, too. These cilia do the same whipping action to push particles and microorganisms in the mucus toward the pharynx. They are pushed into the pharynx and expelled by coughing. One of the damaging impacts of nicotine on the respiratory system is that it paralyzes these cilia and disrupts the discharging process of harmful particles. As a consequence, smoking leads to many lung diseases.

D – Enzymes, acids and antibodies in body secretions:

1.Lysozyme: This is a substance found in body secretions (saliva, perspiration, tear, genital organ secretion etc.) that kills bacteria.

2.Stomach acid (Hydrochloric acid, HCl): Being emitted through stomach glands, HCl is a strong acid that can destroy bacteria that are able to reach as far as the stomach with the food we eat. Although we usually have our meals without cleaning our hands sufficiently or without washing them thoroughly, we rarely (except for situations where we are exposed to a high density of microbes like food poisoning or dirty drinking water) get infected via this route. The actors in this perfect protection are lysozyme and stomach acid.

3.Antibodies: Being present in the blood and body secretions, antibodies play a role in the defense against microorganisms. Antibodies in breast milk are passed from the mother’s blood to her milk via a very special mechanism, and are significant in the protection of an infant from infections.

E – Defender Cells: Resembling special operation forces, each of these cells is trained in different parts of the body and sent into the blood circulation. Those troop-like cells, which protect us against diseases by struggling fiercely with germs that can reach the blood after overcoming many obstacles, cannot have come about merely by chance, without the participation of the All-Knowing Designer.

1.Macrophages: Monocytes, a kind of leukocyte in the blood, pass from the capillaries to the tissue and turn into giant cells called macrophages that can phagocytose (swallow microbes) at a great rate. Macrophages swallow and tear down every kind of bacteria and virus that invades the body. These cells constitute the first defense line of the body and serve like advance guards. For instance, the first force to start fighting against the germs that can penetrate the skin through a scratch is the macrophages found just beneath the skin are called histiocytes. Germs that can infiltrate the blood through the intestines and reach the liver via the portal vein are eradicated by another type of macrophage. Therefore, almost no bacterium can pass from the intestines into the general blood circulation system. Germs that enter the body orally are destroyed by macrophages stationed in the lymph nodes on the tonsils. The ones that manage to reach the lungs through the respiratory paths are killed by the macrophages in the alveoli. Those cells also cause T-lymphocytes (very specially equipped cells) to proliferate by stimulating them. 2.Neutrophils: These are the most common type (60-70%) of leukocytes. These cells participate only in fights against bacteria. When bacteria enter a tissue, some poisonous matters emitted by them cause a chemical reaction called chemotaxis; this reaction attracts the neutrophils toward the infected tissue. In this case, the neutrophils leave their capillaries for the infected tissue and find and destroy the bacteria. How can germ-eating cells, like macrophages and neutrophils, distinguish normal body cells from microbes? Undoubtedly, the Creator of such an excellent defense system does not make us worry about such a problem; it was for this purpose that God created opsonins. Opsonins are similar to adapters in that they are able to attach two different parts together and connect themselves to a specific place on the germ. Thus, macrophages and neutrophils carry out their germ-eating job perfectly, connecting themselves to those opsonins. Since our own body cells do not have receptors that can handle opsonins, they cannot be eaten. 3.Lymphocytes: These are the troops of the immunity system with the most complicated organizations and strategies. These troops are categorized as T and B lymphocytes. They are the most important and powerful of the immunity mechanisms and constitute about 20-30% of the leukocytes in blood. They are regarded as the last defense line against those germs with which the other mechanisms cannot cope. a.T lymphocytes: When T lymphocytes are stimulated by macrophages, T cells that are a form of T lymphocyte secrete a matter called lymphokine. Lymphokine stimulates cytotoxic (microbe killer) T cells and B lymphocytes into action. Unless auxiliary T cells exist, the acquired immunity system collapses. Likewise, the HIV virus destroys auxiliary T cells and renders a person susceptible to disease. Even very simple infections can turn into a catastrophe for those patients. Cytotoxic T cells assault bacteria and particularly virus-infected body cells. They deliver porphyrins (proteins to make holes) into cell membranes by attaching themselves to the cells. In that way, a huge amount of water enters the cells and they get torn, due to over-swelling. Thus, viruses in the infected cells are dispersed and are neutralized by specific antibodies produced for that purpose with their infecting ability being impeded. (Viruses have to enter body cells to be able to proliferate. Only in this way can they protect themselves against antibodies and proliferate. Viruses that proliferate in cells use matters in those cells and cause them to eventually break apart, then move onto other cells.) b.B lymphocytes: These cells are stimulated directly by microbes. However, they need lymphokines to be completely stimulated and activated. Lymphokines are created capable of causing B lymphocytes to proliferate and transform themselves to Plasmocytes. Plasmocytes also emit antibodies to the blood. c.Killer cells: These play a role in the innate immune system, so they do not need stimulation like T and B lymphocytes. In particular, they assault body cells that are virus-infected or show a tendency to cancer. In this way, they establish a first defense line against viruses and block cancer development. Even though the working principles of lymphocytes are not known, they are related in some way to spiritual values such as love, enthusiasm, and peace of mind. Likewise, it is known that the immune systems of people whose spirituality has been weakened by depression and stress are more susceptible to break down. Unless those people recover by activating their spiritual dynamics, like faith in destiny, they are under a greater threat of cancer. Yet, this world is a place of examination. We cannot claim that every cancer is due to a damaged spirituality; we should not forget that cancer might occur due to different reasons. 4. Eosinophils: These are a kind of leukocytes that can kill some sort of parasites. They cling to parasites and release the granules in their cytoplasm into the parasites. These granules contain enzymes which destroy parasites. 5. Mast cells and basophils: Mast cells and basophils play a central role in inflammatory and immediate allergic reactions. They are able to release potent inflammatory mediators. Mast cells function out of the veins and protect the tissues in the body, whereas basophils are similar cells found in the bloodstream. F – Factors in plasma: 1.Antibodies: These are secreted into the blood by plasma cells. They fight against the germs that have stimulated them. They show their impact directly (neutralizing bacterial poisons, gathering and precipitating bacteria, neutralizing viruses, pulling microorganisms into pieces) or by activating a very special system called a complement. 2.Complement proteins: When inactive complement proteins in plasma are stimulated by antigens and an opposing antibody complex, active complement compounds are brought to life. These compounds have various effects like chemotaxis, opsonization, development of inflammation as a result of stimulation of mast cells and basophils, and the destruction of microorganisms. The complement system can be stimulated by microorganisms without a need for antibody development (without a need for lymphocytes); this can be seen as a manifestation of our Creator”s name Mudabbir (managing, administering, controlling every being in balance and order). This ensures the stimulation of a complement system under conditions that lack antibody production. Hence, the body is never left completely undefended. Is it really possible that such an amazing defense system, that requires unlimited knowledge and power, and that consists of every kind of alternative action, can come into existence by itself? 3.Interferons: Viruses invade body cells and synthesize proteins that contribute to their proliferation. Interferons, secreted by lymphocytes or other leukocytes, are created so that they can attach themselves to virus-infected body cells and obstruct the production of those proteins. Hence, these viruses cannot proliferate. 4.Lysozyme: Mentioned in the earlier part concerning body secretions, lysozyme is also available in the blood and kills bacteria there. 5.Properdin: This is a kind of protein available in the plasma which can neutralize viruses and destroy some bacteria types. 6.Acute phase proteins: These are a large number of serum proteins (C-reactive protein, etc.) that are swiftly synthesized by the liver and that are employed in defense during infections. 7.Beta-lysin: A substance that destroys some types of bacteria. G – Events caused by infections: 1. Inflammation: Inflammation is a response that is designed to protect tissues against tissue destruction, caused by factors like infection, excessive heat, and trauma. When a tissue is invaded by microorganisms, it starts to be destroyed; certain matters come out of those tissue cells (as mast cells) and lead to certain reactions in that zone. a.Vasodilation: As the little veins transporting blood to a tissue widen, more blood rushes in and more neutrophils are carried to that zone. Meanwhile, a color enhancement (blushing) occurs in that place. b.Increase in permeability of the capillaries: Neutrophils can penetrate into the tissues more easily. Plenty of water also passes through tissues, so some edemas (swelling in tissues) develop. Finally, coagulation proteins in the plasma, which can rarely infiltrate from capillaries to the tissues because of their large molecular structures, pass to the tissues and clot the liquid here. Hence, lymph veins, which are responsible for returning the liquid to the blood circulation, are plugged by clots. Consequently, inflammation detains microorganisms in that specific zone and prevents them from spreading throughout the body. Microorganisms are also destroyed by tissue macrophages in the inflammation zone and the migrant neutrophils working there. (The more a bacterium causes tissue damage, the harder it passes to blood.) Then, remnants of dead bacteria, damaged tissue cells, and neutrophils that are also destroyed after the phagocytosing of between 5 and 20 bacteria soften the inflammation by dissolving and creating some pus in that zone. The pus streams out by itself or is relieved by an incision being cut in the covering skin. 2. Fever:Toxins coming out of some bacteria and some secretions of microbe-phagocytosing cells lead to an increase in body temperature. Fever stops reproduction of microorganisms and kills them by ruining their structures. Within this framework, the occurrence of fever is beneficial; it indicates that the body is resisting and struggling to kill the microbes. Therefore, fever should not be reduced as long as it is not too high to cause brain damage (especially for children). 3. Cough: A cough helps the body discharge the microbes in the respiratory paths. Thus, cough medicines should not be used immediately, except in cases of whooping cough. 4. Diarrhea: This helps the body rid itself of feces quickly, so medicines to stop diarrhea should not be used, either. However, in cases of cough and diarrhea, a person should know their own strength and the strength of their immune system well and take medication accordingly. When we consider all these defense mechanisms, this question occurs in our minds: Do we protect ourselves against infections or is there someone who operates various immunity mechanisms in our bodies and controls them at every moment with His infinite knowledge and power?