The inflammation process – the role of Dendritic Cells

​An illustration to understand the inflammatory pathway and how it can lead to disease. 

   Dendritic Cells are cells that form parts the immune system. During chronic stress state, the digestive functions are altered, much reduced, undisputedly leading to Dysbiosis, low-grade-to-systemic inflammation, which in turn adds fuel to the fire, and induces further stress to the body. 
   
   Dendritic cells expand their arm into the lumen of the digestive tract and respond to the microflora present in the area. Symbiotic microflora (the good gut bacteria) generates a non-inflammatory response from the Dendritic cells, while Dysbiosis (bad bacteria have taken over, displacing the good gut bacteria) generates an inflammatory response as shown in the illustration above. 

   Increased permeability, also known as leaky gut syndrome, is due to the cells contracting and pulling on the protein keeping them tight together, until those tight junctions give way. The cells of the gut wall may separate, and larger particles enter the blood stream.

   The illustration is now being updated and will be featured in "Energise".