In addition, these fragments may still be antigenic. For as long as they remain in the system they have the ability to stimulate the immune system. Permitting these antigenic fragments to persist in the body could be dangerous as they will perpetuate the immune response long after the threat has been destroyed. This prolonged stimulation might result in the immune system turning on the body and the development of an autoimmune action. The immune system likes to keep a clean ship and antibodies help in the process of mopping up these fragments.
Antibodies bind the fragments together and help precipitate the fragments out of solution.
Binding the fragments together also makes it easier for phagocytes to latch on to the particles and engulf them. Immune complexes are removed from the blood primarily by liver Kuppfer cells and also by phagocytes in the lungs and spleen. Immune complexing pulls small particles out of solution and makes it easier for phagocyte cells to see the material and engulf it. Home Messages Disclaimer Copyright Privacy Advertising Contact Copyright of Kevin J. McElwee 1996-2001 .