IN CONVERSATION WITH Dr LERATO RAMETSE- SANGENI, CLINICAN SCIENTIST IMMUNOLOGIST

In recent years, conversations around health have increasingly focused on the idea of “boosting” the immune system. While this framing has gained popularity, particularly in the wake of global health crises, immunology experts caution that the immune system is far more complex than a simple on/off switch that needs to be strengthened. At its core, the immune system is responsible for protecting the body against harmful pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and other foreign invaders. However, its effectiveness depends not only on its ability to respond aggressively to threats, but also on its capacity to regulate itself, to know when to activate and when to stand down. This delicate balance is known as immune regulation. When the immune system is well-regulated, it can distinguish between harmful invaders and the body’s own healthy cells. But when this balance is disrupted, a state referred to as immune dysregulation, the consequences can be serious. In some cases, the immune system may become underactive, leaving the body vulnerable to infections. In others, it may become overactive or misdirected, attacking the body’s own tissues. This is the basis of autoimmune diseases, a group of conditions that include Type 1 diabetes, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. The causes of immune dysregulation are complex and often involve a 10:35 combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers. Factors such as chronic stress, poor nutrition, lack of sleep, infections, and environmental exposures can all influence how the immune system functions over time. There is also growing concern globally about the rising prevalence of autoimmune diseases, particularly among younger populations. While improved diagnostic tools have contributed to increased detection, researchers are also exploring how modern lifestyles and environmental changes may be contributing to this trend. Understanding immune balance is therefore not only a scientific issue, but a public health concern. It challenges the simplified narrative of stronger is better and instead highlights the importance of a well- regulated, responsive, and adaptable immune system. This conversation aims to unpack what immune balance really means, what happens when regulation fails, and why these matters in everyday life, particularly for young people navigating health in increasingly complex environments. Instagram · Twitter