How does the immune system distinguish between Normal&pathogenic flora?

Subject: How does the immune system distinguish between Normal&pathogenic flora?

Date: Tue Feb 6 23:34:26 2007
Posted by Anisha
Grade level: undergrad School: No school entered.
City: Mumbai State/Province: No state entered. Country: India
Area of science: Immunology
ID: 1170830066.Im

Message:


I understand that we have a large amount of micro-organisms, residing on our
skin, GI tract, mouth and urinogenital tract. But shouldn't all these be
considered as antigens i.e. foreign bodies? How come they are not attacked by
the immune system? And if pathogenic organisms invade our body how will the
immune system KNOW that these are not useful flora?

Re: How does the immune system distinguish between Normal&pathogenic flora?

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