Effects on Immune Responses

Abstract

In recent years, considerable interest has developed on the relationship between microwave exposure and alteration of the immune response. The immune system is a physiological defense against a large spectrum of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, tumors, toxins from organisms, and miscellaneous chemical substances. There is considerable adaptability and redundancy in the immune system. Thus, many perturbations of the immune response may not have clinical significance (Roberts, 1983). The immune response is initiated by the introduction of a foreign substance, called an antigen. The immune system can respond specifically and nonspecifically to challenge. It can recognize nonspecifically (as nonself) an offender that the host has not encountered previously. The responsive cells can produce antigen-specific or nonspecific mediators that recruit other immunocompetent cells. In fact, recruitment of cells and so-called “arming”or activation of cells are major features of the immune response. The true immune system consists of cells that are specialized for defense, broadly classified into phagocytic cells and lymphoid cells, and cell-derived humoral substances such as antibodies and complement (Roberts, 1983; Roberts et al., 1986).