Immunology Is Where Intuition Goes to Die

[helvella]

Both autoimmune diseases (which are a large part of the posting here) and the more recent Covid-19 issues mean there is a lot of discussion about our immune systems.

I don't know about you, but I find much of it way beyond what my head can get round.

This article has been widely praised. I hope you and I both get something from reading it.

Immunology Is Where Intuition Goes to Die

Which is too bad because we really need to understand how the immune system reacts to the coronavirus.

Updated at 10:36 a.m. ET on August 5, 2020.

There’s a joke about immunology, which Jessica Metcalf of Princeton recently told me. An immunologist and a cardiologist are kidnapped. The kidnappers threaten to shoot one of them, but promise to spare whoever has made the greater contribution to humanity. The cardiologist says, “Well, I’ve identified drugs that have saved the lives of millions of people.” Impressed, the kidnappers turn to the immunologist. “What have you done?” they ask. The immunologist says, “The thing is, the immune system is very complicated …” And the cardiologist says, “Just shoot me now.”

theatlantic.com/health/arch...

The Atlantic also has a number of other Covid-19 articles available - if you are interested:

theatlantic.com/category/wh...

[tattybogle]

Having spent the morning trying to decipher TRab, TSab, TBab, TSI, TBII i can fully understand the joke. Time will tell whether i can understand the article.

Thanks for posting.

[helvella in reply to tattybogle]

Just consistency of names and abbreviations would be so helpful.

From a UK perspective, I'd actually quite like to see something like an NHS/NICE online dictionary. With proper definitions. And open to discussion and challenge.

Even something as simple as whether the state of over-medication can be called hyperthyroidism? And whether the term euthyroid can ever be used of someone with a thyroid disorder?

(I agree that the best typographic approach is to use capitals followed by lower-case "ab" for antibodies. But it is less often used in the medical/scientific arenas. But at least we don't see the phrasing "anti-XXX antibodies" very much these days.)

[tattybogle in reply to helvella]

I believe Nice/NHS have recently completed a Comprehensive Definition Directory for all thyroid issues, immunological or otherwise....

TSH...... Thyroid Stimulating Hormone

LT4........Levothyroxine

End of Directory

[TSH110 in reply to tattybogle]

😂🤣😂

[TSH110 in reply to helvella]

You’re the person to write that dictionary 😉 offer your services to them as a terminology consultant and endocrine dictionary editor....with a suitably hefty fee!

[Hidden in reply to TSH110]

After reading and analysing the latest recommendation for NDT written by NICE, I will never believe a single word they have to say about ANYTHING!

[JGBH]

It makes interesting reading and yes, it does make my head spin a little!

It looks like this virus will be with us for quite a time yet... so many unknown factors still.

Do I understand that people like me who take strong immunosuppressants (Biologics or Jak Inhibitors for RA ) whereby T cells are destroyed in the case of Jak Inhibitors in order to suppress my immune system from attacking my body, does that mean then my T cells wouldn’t work to fight the virus? Well I was warned by my RA consultant and GP I wouldn’t survive should I become infected by the virus... Scary really and the thought of shielding “for ever” is not a pleasant one.

[helvella in reply to JGBH]

My answer is very simple. I have no idea!

It does look like the only answer for you at present is avoidance.

[JGBH in reply to helvella]

Indeed nobody really knows...

It’s most difficult not knowing when one can get out again without taking serious risks. It’s depressing but the whole situation is depressing. I feel sorry for the young people.

[TSH110]

Have I read the wrong article 🤔? I thought it was very clearly written! Thanks for posting.