How does your immune system fight viruses?
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Your immune system fights viral infections through a coordinated two-tier defense mechanism:
Innate Immune System (Immediate Response): Infected cells release signaling proteins called interferons, which alert neighboring cells to heighten their defenses. White blood cells, like Natural Killer (NK) cells, quickly locate and destroy infected cells to prevent the virus from replicating.
Adaptive Immune System (Targeted Response):
T Cells (Cellular Immunity): Cytotoxic T cells directly recognize and kill cells harbor viral particles, while Helper T cells coordinate the broader immune response.
B Cells & Antibodies (Humoral Immunity): B cells produce specialized antibodies that bind to the virus, neutralizing it so it cannot enter new cells and marking it for destruction.
Immune Memory: Memory T and B cells remain in the body after the infection clears, allowing your immune system to launch a faster, stronger defense if exposed to the same virus again.