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The Immune System British English Student
The Immune System British English Student
THE IMMUNE
SYSTEM
Expemo code:
1AAH-67FB-JV5M
1 Warm up
Discuss the questions below.
2 Vocabulary - preőxes
Knowing the different forms of words can help you understand the meaning. The chart below shows
words based on Greek and Latin prefixes and roots.
Now, use the above chart to match the words on the left with their meanings.
3. lymphocyte c. a type of cell that can ingest and digest foreign particles e.g. bacteria
3 Listening 1
You are going to listen to a passage about how the immune system works. Listen and choose the
correct answer.
a. nervous system
b. reproductive system
c. lymphatic system
d. immune system
4 Listening 2
2. How long does it take for the immune system to detect antigens?
it takes only minutes
5 Pre-reading activity
1. Do you know any good therapies that can cure diseases? Give examples.
2. What is your opinion on vaccines? Have you been vaccinated against COVID-19?
3. Name some of the effects of the COVID-19 virus that you have heard about. Write them in the
box below.
1.
2.
3.
6 Reading comprehension
You are going to read an article on new therapy in COVID-19 treatment. Choose the main idea for
each paragraph.
1. Paragraph 1
2. Paragraph 2
a. COVID-19
3. Paragraph 3
a. nanobody research
b. Belgium researchers
4. Paragraph 4
a. manufacturing antibodies
c. benefits of nanobodies
5. Paragraph 5
b. disadvantages to nanobodies
Animal research is necessary to understand how breakthrough launched the use of nanobody research
certain species have survived for thousands of years in therapeutic medicine. In the past decade,
and managed to combat diseases that others have nanobody research has looked at treatments for
died from. For over 50 years, researchers have psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and viral infections.
been looking at how animals could be crucial in
According to researchers, there are several
fighting viruses. In the past, some diseases such as
advantages to nanobodies. The first is that they
smallpox and polio proved fatal because no cure was
can navigate small spaces and have a better
available resulting in millions of people dying from
binding ability than human antibodies. For this
such illnesses. However, because of in-depth studies
reason, they are very attractive to therapeutic
on animal immune systems, vaccines were eventually
developers. Another reason is that nanobodies are
discovered to wipe out these diseases from many
also not complicated to manufacture because of the
parts of the world.
straightforward process to produce the antibody.
With the recent COVID-19 virus affecting people This starts with immunising the llama with an antigen
around the globe, scientists have been working and its immune system generates the antibody that
tirelessly to eliminate the profound effects of the recognises it. A blood sample is taken and the mRNA
virus. One animal that has been in the spotlight for the antibody is extracted. A significant advantage
of virus research is the llama. Certain animals is that nanobodies can be left at room temperature
from the camelid group -camels and llamas - for up to six weeks and because of their miniature
produce nanobodies which are a smaller form of size they can be aerosolised. This means that they
the antibodies that humans produce. Antibodies are can be developed as inhalers that can directly target
molecules produced by the body’s immune system the lungs. Since many viruses including the COVID-
that fight off invading infections. Currently, one 19 virus attack the respiratory system, developing
approach to treat people suffering from COVID-19 medications that focus on the lungs is vital.
is to inject them with antibodies taken from patients
who have already recuperated from the disease. Nanobodies have a few limitations. As a consequence
Although this method of using plasma from recovered of their tiny size, their half-lives are reduced as they
patients has been used for over 100 years for various are quickly eliminated via the kidneys. Hence, this
diseases and conditions, it is a lengthy process to would require a larger volume of nanobodies at a
extract the required antibodies. more frequent dosage, which could result in kidney
toxicity. Another drawback is that since they are
Over 30 years ago, researchers in Belgium discovered
a biological material, patients’ immune systems may
that camelids produced a unique property. They
react to them.
were testing camel blood serum when they observed
that the animals formed regular antibodies as well as Sources: medicalxpress.com, news-medical.net,
another set of single-chain antibodies. This surprising health.harvard.edu, ukri.org
2. eliminate (paragraph 1)
3. extreme (paragraph 2)
6. discovery (paragraph 3)
9 Talking point
With a partner or in small groups discuss the following questions.
1. Some people are against using animals for research purposes. Why do you think they are opposed
to such research?
2. During the recent COVID-19 crisis there were some people opposed to vaccinations. What were
some of the reasons they believed that vaccines were harmful?
3. Have you or anyone you know ever had an aerosolized vaccine? Would you prefer an aerosolized
vaccine to an injection? Why/not?
4. What vaccines are required in your country? Do you think schools, companies and governments
should be able to mandate vaccinations?
Now, fill in blanks with a prefix from the chart above to complete the word.
2. One of the roles of the immune system is to protect the body from invasion of gens.
3. Doctors recommend bic exercise to reduce the risk of obesity, high blood pressure and
type 2 diabetes.
4. organisms require certain nutrients for growth and maintenance of metabolic functions.
5. nutrients are the types of food that your body requires in large amounts.
6. Before the discovery of biotics, many people died from a simple cut in their skin.
10. An dote is a drug that neutralises the effects of another drug or toxin.
11 Optional extension/homework
• Do you think that people should be forced to be vaccinated? Why or why not?
Give reasons to support your answer.