The immune system is designed to be genetically-programmed to shelter you from disease. It will protect you, if you keep it in top shape. The immune system is equipped with glands, cells, organs, and proteins to fight off flus, colds, and even cancer. The immune system has several responsibilities. One of them is to fight illness; another one is gathering information on the disease and reporting back to the various cells and organs, which are part of the immune network.