11. Interplay with the Immune System: FL’s Tug of War
One of FL’s most intriguing aspects is its relationship with the body’s defense mechanism: the immune system. While the immune system typically guards against diseases, FL has a knack for manipulating it.
FL cells have a unique capability. They can send deceptive signals, essentially ‘talking’ to the immune cells. Instead of being attacked, these cancerous cells are often left untouched, even protected. This interaction explains why FL can remain dormant, growing slowly, often evading detection for years.
But there’s more to this relationship. Some treatments, especially newer ones, are designed to ‘retrain’ the immune system. The aim? To make it recognize and combat FL cells effectively. Immunotherapies, for instance, have shown promise in this realm.
This tug-of-war between FL and the immune system is more than just a biological skirmish. It’s a testament to the adaptability of diseases, but also to the relentless human endeavor to understand and combat them.
The interplay reminds us that in the war against ailments, knowledge is the most potent weapon. And with every discovery about this interaction, the scales tip a bit more in favor of medicine and hope. (11)
