Replies to post #599497 on NorthWest Biotherapeutics Inc (NWBO)

[ADVFN_doclee]

Hank,
I do not know how the body's immune system actually recognizes "non-self" from "self", but you are correct that it must involve the MHC (major histocompatability complex) genes and their associated products (glycoproteins et al). I have no doubt that somebody somewhere knows the answer that can be given in words of one syllable but as yet I've not come across the answer that I can readily understand.
As to your second query, there is no guarantee that an internal cellular abnormality will be expressed on the cell surface. If the cells DNA is damaged eg the strand is broken or one or more of the bases (adenine, cytosine, guanine or thymine - ACGT) are displaced, there may be no functional effect from that damage if it takes place in a part of the DNA strand which contains no functional genes. (There are extensive areas of non-functioning DNA in each strand.) In that case when it is repaired life will go on as before with no observable effect.
However, should the damage occur where there is a functioning gene the damage could affect what that gene does. Basically, a gene is a long stretch of DNA with the fixed bases (ACGT) in a specific order which acts as a template, via mRNA (messenger RNA), for the production by the ribosomes of a protein. This protein will play a role either in the cell's own functions or, by excretion from the cell, in the body's functions.
I have always presumed that if an abnormal protein is produced it is either retained in the cell until there is so much produced that the normal working of that cell is compromised and the cell either dies or stops working!. If the abnormal product of the genetic damage does not accumulate it must be because it leaves the cell through the cell membrane. This can be in various ways but it is then that it is exposed to dendrocytes which peg it as foreign and the normal sequence of destruction is initiated. Again, I have always presumed that the immune system attacks the deranged cell either because the abnormal protein is incorporated into the cellular membrane (but why?) or it occurs during the process of extravasation of the abnormal protein through the cell membrane when the protein is exposed to the extracellular milieu whilst still in passage through the cell membrane.
This is my very,very simplistic view of what is indubitably a much more complicated process and if anybody wishes to correct or enlighten me I am more than happy to be corrected and enlightened.