CANCER AND IMMUNE SYSTEM: SPECIAL TISSUE CELLS
Macrophages
These large cells, found in the liver, spleen and lymph, engulf foreign particles and protect against invasion by micro-organisms and damage to the lymphatic system. Macrophages are the ‘clever gobblers of the immune army’. They engulf a foreign agent and highlight their antibodies so the helper T cell can quickly identify the invaders. After marking the enemy cell, macrophages release lymphokines (interferon, interleukin-3 and 1) that attract more macrophages and WBCs to eliminate the invading threat.
Mast Cells
These are basophils that reside mainly along blood vessels and release histamine in response to allergic reactions.
Platelets
In addition to their role in clotting, platelets attract white blood cells to sites of injury.
Specialized Serum Factors/Lymphokines/Monokines
Interferon, interleukin 2 and complement fractions enhance the immune system, produced by white blood cells. These serum factors activate white blood cells to destroy cancer cells and viruses. Complement fractions are produced in the liver and involved in the final destruction of viruses, bacteria, immune complexes and cancer cells.
Antibodies
Antibodies or serum proteins known as immunoglobulins (Ig) serve as the primary cellular secretions of the humoral branch of the immune system. These  cell lymphocytes fall into the following categories:
IgG – main serum protein, coats micro-organisms leaving them open to destruction.
IgA – found in secretions such as milk, saliva and tears. Stops localized infections from spreading.
IgM – Initial immune response to foreign invaders.
IgE – These bind tightly to mast cells and basophils and are involved in allergic reactions.
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