

Unlike innate immunity, adaptive immunity is antigen-specific which means that cells of the adaptive immune system respond to specific molecules on the pathogen.Ĭells of the adaptive immune system include: This line of defense is slower, compared to the first line of defense.

viruses or molecules on a microbe etc) that are recognized as foreign markers. * The immune system acts in response to an antigen (e.g. However, given that these organisms end up causing harm to the host, it is the role of the immune system to protect the body against them.Īlthough the immune system plays an important role in protecting the body from various foreign invaders, there are cases in which it attacks healthy body cells resulting in diseases and allergies etc. Various microbes/germs infect specific hosts due to the favorable conditions that the host (specific cells/tissues of the host) provides for growth and reproduction.

Together, these players defend the body against attacks by various foreign invaders, particularly microbes, which tend to cause infections. The immune system is a complex system composed of a number of specialized organs, cells, and molecules (proteins). Exposure to bacteria has been shown to begin in the womb - This has been shown to help the fetus develop its immune system early on.in the gut) have been shown to help animals to tolerate given diseases. A rogue hybrid lymphocyte has been identified in patients with Type I Diabetes - This Novel type of cell has been linked to autoimmunity.In mice, change in diet has been shown to affect the interaction between T cells and bacteria.A genetic mutation associated with the prevention of HIV infection has been shown to result in early death.

Some of the most recent news in the discipline include: Since the term immunology was coined in the early 1900s, a number of sub-disciplines have been added to the discipline giving focus to specific fields of interest. Immunology, which began as an effort to understand and intervene in various disease states, is the science that is focused on the study of both the structure and functioning of the immune system.Īpart from basic study that gives focus to the functioning of the immune system, immunologists also study the manner in which disorders of the immune system itself affect (by attacking healthy cells) the body in clinical immunology. Definition, Types, Tests, Innate and Adaptive Immunity
