The immune system is a host defense system comprising many biological structures and processes within an organism that protects against disease. source
The immune system is a host defense system comprising many biological structures and processes within an organism that protects against disease.
To function properly, an immune system must detect a wide variety of agents. source
To function properly, an immune system must detect a wide variety of agents.
The immune system known as pathogens, from viruses to parasitic worms, and distinguish them from the organism's own healthy tissue. source
The immune system known as pathogens, from viruses to parasitic worms, and distinguish them from the organism's own healthy tissue.
In many species, the immune system can be classified into subsystems. source
In many species, the immune system can be classified into subsystems.
Brain barriers separate the peripheral immune system from the neuroimmune system which protects the brain. source
Brain barriers separate the peripheral immune system from the neuroimmune system which protects the brain.
Pathogens can rapidly evolve and adapt, and thereby avoid detection and neutralization by the immune system. source
Pathogens can rapidly evolve and adapt, and thereby avoid detection and neutralization by the immune system.
The immune system protects organisms from infection with layered defenses of increasing specificity. source
The immune system protects organisms from infection with layered defenses of increasing specificity.
Even simple unicellular organisms such as bacteria possess a rudimentary immune system. source
Even simple unicellular organisms such as bacteria possess a rudimentary immune system.
Other basic immune mechanisms evolved in ancient eukaryotes and remain in their modern descendants, such as plants and invertebrates. source
Other basic immune mechanisms evolved in ancient eukaryotes and remain in their modern descendants, such as plants and invertebrates.
Adaptive (or acquired) immunity creates immunological memory after an initial response to a specific pathogen. source
Adaptive (or acquired) immunity creates immunological memory after an initial response to a specific pathogen.
This process of acquired immunity is the basis of vaccination. source
This process of acquired immunity is the basis of vaccination.
Disorders of the immune system can result in autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases and cancer. source
Disorders of the immune system can result in autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases and cancer.
Immunodeficiency occurs when the immune system is less active than normal, resulting in recurring and life-threatening infections. source
Immunodeficiency occurs when the immune system is less active than normal, resulting in recurring and life-threatening infections.
Immunology covers the study of all aspects of the immune system. source
Immunology covers the study of all aspects of the immune system.
Common autoimmune diseases include Hashimoto's thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus type 1, and systemic lupus erythematosus. source
Common autoimmune diseases include Hashimoto's thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus type 1, and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Autoimmunity results from a hyperactive immune system attacking normal tissues as if they were foreign organisms. source
Autoimmunity results from a hyperactive immune system attacking normal tissues as if they were foreign organisms.
