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I think that's a drastic oversimplification.
Best example: our antibodies bind to and fight off anything from viruses (nm), to worms (mm-cm).
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Our immune system has two paths it uses to eight off things.
One is for full size cells.
The other is for sub-cellular items.
Most viruses are sub-cellular, though a few can be large enough or present enough
protein 'coat' to be recognized as foreign items.
Small items like a specific metal atom (say nickel) are handled by one path.
Immunology is a PhD area, not so much an MD area.
Though there are plenty of folks with dual degrees (MD, PhD) out there.
I think that's a drastic oversimplification.
Best example: our antibodies bind to and fight off anything from viruses (nm), to worms (mm-cm).
The binding of antibodies still occurs (in many cases if not all) well below the cellular level.
Many use three amino acids in the foreign protein.
Protein folding means the set of three may NOT be directly adjacent in the actual molecule.
This is one of the things that makes identifying autoimmune reactions.
We are reasonably confidential that Epstein Barr (the virus that also triggers infectious mononucleosis,
and is the initial trigger for MS anti-myelin antibodies).
But what set of proteins? in what arrangement , especially after folding.
And why only in certain people?
Epstein Barr is ubiquitous in humans.
Estimates of its presence in humans have ranged up to (95% or higher).
Yet only a very small phenotype develop MS.
And the phenotype appears to be loosely genetically coupled.
There is a familial presence of MS.
If you have it, there is an increased rate among you direct brothers and sisters.
With a looser coupling to cousins.