Since a lot of death occurs because a persons body becomes impeded from producing enough immunity, why cant science just take the white blood cells from another person and flood the sick person with them? Couldnt they IV them directly from one person to another some how?

ive always wondered that.

 

Could you not grow white blood cells on agar, and them adminster them as an injection when ill?

I see a big problem dealing with rejection.

You'd need to match blood types at least.

You'd need to match blood types at least.

 

That wouldn't be a problem as you would only be transferring white blood cells, not red ones.

 

I see a big problem dealing with rejection.

 

Agree with that, the immune systems is vital in differentiating self from foreign, which is you have to give immunosuppressive drugs with transplants.

Since a lot of death occurs because a persons body becomes impeded from producing enough immunity, why cant science just take the white blood cells from another person and flood the sick person with them? Couldnt they IV them directly from one person to another some how?

 

It's possible but it's risky!!! White blood cells are "available" in many sorts: T cells (Th1 and Th2), B cells, microphages, neutrophills and many more. The problem is that B cells and T cells which trigger and maintain the aquired immune response are self tolerant (they will not attack the own cells) and therefore they will attack the acceptor's cells. The microphages etc... are not cell specific since they attack only pathogens. The latter white blood cells can be used for transfer.

Th1 & 2 actually are good at helping againts Aids.

 

Yes i was thinking today about this, and came to the conclusion that white blood cells, would see every cell they are injected into as enemies, and therefore would be a HUGELY dangerous pathogen.