Introduction to Immunology

The study of how the body defends itself against invading organisms, like bacteria and viruses, as well as internal threats like tumors.

Smallpox is a serious infectious disease caused by the variola virus. Variolation was an early method of vaccination using material from smallpox pustules. This risky procedure was practiced in China and India centuries ago.

A type of therapy that strengthens the immune system to fight cancer.

These are therapies that target specific parts of the immune system to treat autoimmune diseases. They can be monoclonal antibodies or fusion proteins.

This involves using cells from the immune system to directly fight cancer.

This refers to different types of drugs that modify the immune system's response.

These therapies aim to stimulate the immune system to attack specific cancer cells.

These are a type of therapy that uses viruses engineered to specifically target and kill cancer cells.

A critical component of the immune system, providing the initial rapid response to infections. Its key features include speed, lack of memory, and general recognition of foreign substances.

A sophisticated arm of the immune system, characterized by highly specific recognition of foreign antigens and the ability to remember past encounters. This creates a more precise and lasting immune response.

The immune system's ability to tolerate self-molecules while recognizing and attacking foreign invaders. This prevents the immune system from harming the body's own tissues.

The immune system's process of generating a specific and targeted response against a particular antigen, usually a foreign molecule. This involves activation of specific cells and production of antibodies.

Molecules that stimulate an immune response, often associated with foreign invaders like bacteria or viruses. They can be recognized by the immune system's cells and receptors, triggering a reaction.

The process of engulfing and destroying foreign particles, including bacteria and viruses, by certain immune cells. This is a key mechanism of innate immunity.

Specialized immune cells that produce antibodies, which are proteins that bind to specific antigens, helping to neutralize them and control infections.

The immune system's long-term memory of past encounters with specific antigens. This allows for faster and stronger responses upon subsequent exposures to the same antigen.