Why do some animals, like sharks and crocodiles, have such powerful immune systems that they rarely get sick or develop cancer, and could we learn from them to improve human health?

Question

Why do some animals, like sharks and crocodiles, have such powerful immune systems that they rarely get sick or develop cancer, and could we learn from them to improve human health?

In: 9649

Answer 1

Along with the proteins in their immune system that quickly kill most infections, their wounds are also very quick to clot. Their clots are thick with a few layers of tissue, so bacteria don’t easily enter through their wounds.

Also, I saw this on a documentary a few years ago. Scientists discovered that an alligators’ immune system can kill HIV and they’re currently looking into incorporating the proteins from gator immune cells into HIV medicine for humans.

Bonus fact: They’re doing something similar with bee venom because a protein in their venom also kills the virus.