This is coming to the surface with info from Dr Horowitz, due to Corona virus.
They look at this stuff in AIDS, should be common knowledge in lyme too, but isnt, yet. We need more awareness in the lyme community and science behind it, otherwise more research wont happen.
My info here is on a few other threads, but I felt this info needs its own, more direct title.
Unfortunately, most immunologists are very conventional medicine orientated, thus dont think outside their box; besides tests and IGIV therapy, they offer no investigation.
Some group needs to show interest in this for lymies, it should be brought up at ALL lyme / LLMD "conventions" ect.
This needs to change. For those seeing LLMD's , please ask them about
this. Even if you pay for labs and opt out from testing, LLMDs need to start learning. Maybe it starts with YOU asking them about
it. Solving anything starts with awareness.
Note: this is not about
autoimmune, even more confusing, but many have both.
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Immune cell types / tests:
Some tests on the comprehensive metabolic panel such as white blood cell count and globulin (liver immune protien) are a good first glance of your immune system in addition to the CD57.
CD57 : also known as HNK1 (Human Natural Killer-1) which measures T lymphocytes and positive NK cells only; its an average combined measurement of both.
White blood cells are :
-granulocytes: (neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils), monocytes,
and
-lymphocytes: (T cells, Natural Killer cells, B, B regulatory, and B Memory cells). "B memory" are your "immunity" cells(!)
T cells mature in the Thymus organ, thus the "T" name.
Globulin : A protien - three types actually; alpha (1 and2) , beta (1 and 2), and gamma. **Gamma globulins, (!!!) are immune protiens and almost all gamma globulins are known as immunoglobulins**, also called antibodies, which help with immune responses and immunity. Alpha and beta globulins are transport proteins, moving stuff in your blood (transport of lipids, hormones ect), they are not immune proteins. Albumin proties is similar and transports of bilirubin, hormones, metals, vitamins, and drugs
The 5 "immunoglobulin classes" :
1) Immunoglobulin A (IgA), which is found in high concentrations in the mucous membranes, particularly those lining the respiratory passages and gastrointestinal tract, as well as in saliva and tears.
2)**Immunoglobulin G (IgG), the most abundant type of antibody, is found in all body fluids and protects against bacterial and viral infections.**
3)** Immunoglobulin M (IgM), which is found mainly in the blood and lymph fluid, is the first antibody to be made by the body to fight a new infection.**
4)Immunoglobulin E (IgE), which is associated mainly with allergic reactions (when the immune system overreacts to environmental antigens such as pollen or pet dander). It is found in the lungs, skin, and mucous membranes.
5) Immunoglobulin D (IgD), which exists in small amounts in the blood, is the least understood antibody.
Note: there are also sub-classes under these 5 above, those under IgG being most important for infections
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**If you test low in immune cell volume, one more thing to look at: the CTLA-4 gene is known for immune cell dysregulation.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ctla-4--------------------------------------------
**Low Gamma Globulin** is termed "Hypogammaglobulinemia" and is considered a health risk for infection:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/hypogammaglobulinemia Hypogammaglobulinemia is one of the Common Variable Immune Deficiency "disorders" (CVID) and its rarity is said to be anywhere from 1 in 20,000 to 1 in 30,000:
https:// https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/common-variable-immune-deficiency/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary of Protein tests and relation to immune system:
Protien results are on a typical Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, and these "panel" test will vary.
Total protien : is just an average of the combined Globulin and Albumin proteins.
Globulin: proteins are mostly immune system antibodies and should be of interest to immune compromised people**
Albumins: are the protien people associate with muscle growth, as well as nutrient and hormone transport.
Taking additional supplemental "workout" protien will not increase GLOBULINS (immune cells), neither will just eating more protien, but might (should) make Albumin elevate, and then also the "total protien".
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-a-total-serum-protein-test#1https://www.wikihow.com/increase-albumin "Protein urine test": measures the amount of Albumin in your urine, compared to the amount of Creatinine in your urine. It should only be refereed to as the "Albumin-to-Creatinine ratio"- Which has nothing to do with solving low Globulin protien mysteries. Good kidney health test, just not for immune proteins.