Lymphocytes on Patrol

We are constantly bombarded by microbes — tiny intruders that try to ride roughshod over our health, such as bacteria, viruses, and other things. However, not all are bad, and several are actually necessary (for example, see "Bacteria are Everywhere — Fortunately"). Our Creator has designed several systems within us to police them.

Credit: Unsplash / Ben Koorengevel

Let's take a look at white blood cells called lymphocytes. They deal with microbes that cause infections, and keep important areas like the lungs tidied up. B lymphocytes are unique in that they actually rearrange their genes for the production of proteins that mark invaders for elimination, and they also keep the good microbes from wandering off into the wrong territories. This is yet another example of Darwin-defying, creation-affirming specified complexity.

Lymphocytes are part of the acquired immune system. That means they adapt to new threats and provide defenses we do not have at birth. Lymphocytes circulate in the blood and the lymphatic system (the other fluid circulation system in humans) looking for microbes that might cause an infection. They can recognize foreign proteins produced by microbes, and they have the power to destroy the invader and call other white blood cells to help.

This is fascinating. To read the entire article or download the audio version, click on "Lymphocytes—Our Body’s Dynamic Defenders".