Question

The hormone testosterone binds a receptor protein that recognizes a 15 base pair DNA sequence. Asa result, genes that contain this sequence can be activated by testosterone. Scientists called this hormone, an enhancer and exploited its property to turn genes off or on.

How can a similar phenomenon aid in improving the immune system?

Answer 1

With respect to the Immune system, particular antigen acts as ligand and T-lymphocytes (T- helper cells) act as the receptor. act as the receptor. When the T_H cells bind with APC (Antigen Processing Cells) like Dendritic cells, B-cells, etc, antigen processing takes place with the help of MHC (Major Histocompatibility Complex)- II which carries antigen. After that B7 binds with CD-28, which leads to the production of various cytokines, like Interleukin-2, Interferon, etc which in turn activates our immune system.

So in this way T-cells can be exploited to regulate our immune system, which exactly is doing nowadays in Immunotherapy. Immunotherapy uses substances made by the body to improve or restore immune system function.