There are three general reasons for establishing buffer zones: to provide sanctuary, to provide a neutral area that allows for supervision where contending claims exist (in order to, potentially, facilitate cooperation), and to simply reduce tensions through separation of disputants.
Iron and immunity are closely linked: firstly by the fact that many of the genes/proteins involved in iron homoeostasis play a vital role in controlling iron fluxes such that bacteria are prevented from utilising iron for growth; secondly, cells of the innate immune system, monocytes, macrophages, microglia and lymphocytes, are able to combat bacterial insults by carefully controlling their iron fluxes, which are mediated by hepcidin and ferroportin.
Mayo Clinic boosts immune system. ROCHESTER, Minn. - Mayo Clinic researchers have discovered a way to dramatically boost the output of immune system cells from the thymus, which may lead to improved cancer vaccines, as well as to ways to otherwise strengthen immune responses.