Outline of immunology

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Outline of Immunology

Immunology (pronounced: /ˌɪm.jʊˈnɒl.ə.dʒi/) is a branch of biology that covers the study of immune systems in all organisms. The term is derived from the Latin immunis, meaning "exempt" or "free", and the Greek -λογία (-logia), meaning "study of".

Definition

Immunology involves studying the physiological functioning of the immune system in states of both health and disease, as well as malfunctions of the immune system in immunological disorders such as autoimmune diseases, hypersensitivities, immune deficiency, and transplant rejection.

History

The science of immunology grew out of the observation of disease immunity. In the late 19th century, Louis Pasteur's work in microbiology stimulated the rapid growth of immunology as a scientific discipline.

Branches of Immunology

Immunology has various branches including cellular immunology, clinical immunology, developmental immunology, evolutionary immunology, experimental immunology, and molecular immunology.

Key Concepts

  • Antigen: A substance that induces an immune response in the body, especially the production of antibodies.
  • Antibody: A blood protein produced in response to and counteracting a specific antigen.
  • Immune System: The bodily system that protects the body from foreign substances, cells, and tissues.
  • Immune Response: The reaction of the cells and fluids of the body to the presence of a substance which is not recognized as a constituent of the body itself.

Related Terms

  • Immunotherapy: The treatment of disease by activating or suppressing the immune system.
  • Immunogenetics: The study of the genetic basis of the immune response.
  • Immunopathology: The study of disease states associated with overactivity or underactivity of the immune response.

External links

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